Marie Margaret ‘Mary’ Sundberg

ESCANABA — Marie Margaret “Mary” Sundberg, aged 81, of Escanaba, passed away in the comforting presence of her family and friends on June 16, 2024.

Born on Sept. 2, 1942, in Marquette, to William and Mary (James) Fortin, Marie was raised in Marquette and was a graduate of Ishpeming High School.

Family was the most important thing to Marie. She was blessed with eight children. Through all the good times and tough times, Marie loved her children. Marie’s legacy continues through her children, Nannette Martin, Debbie Martin, Jeff (Tammy) Martin, all of Escanaba; Penny Harter of Park Falls, Wis.; William Fortin of Marquette; Alfred (Kim) Keefer and Jennifer (Richard) Kjellman, both of Ishpeming. She was the proud grandmother of 24 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immeasurable joy. Her brother Ken Fortin of Ishpeming, sister-in-law Rita Fortin of Marquette, Lois Fortin of Florida, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins will cherish their memories of Marie.

Friends, like family to her, found a second home with Marie. Sharp and funny, Marie was distinctly herself. Marie’s feisty and charismatic personality drew people to her. She captivated people with her storytelling and conversations. Marie’s large circle of family and friends brought much joy in her life. Every year for Christmas she would knit her signature slippers for her loved ones. Her door was always open to all with a hot cup of coffee, a cribbage board, and the guarantee of hearty conversation. In her spare time Marie loved to knit, play cards, participate in local dart leagues, and loved the Detroit Lions.

Marie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roger “Shadow” Sundberg; daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Robert Mankiewicz; son-in-law, Rick Harter; daughter-in-law, Betty Jo Fortin; grandson, Brent Martin; and her siblings Virginia (Ed) Mannila, Earl “Peto” (Hazel) Fortin, Robert (Sharon) Fortin, John Fortin, Clovis “Buck” (Carol) Fortin, Terry Fortin, Albert Fortin, and William (Lorraine) Fortin.

Friends may call at the Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services on Friday June 21, 2024 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. in the funeral home with Rev. Greg Heikkala officiating. A funeral lunch will be held following the service in the funeral home reception room.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that people plant a tree somewhere in Marie’s name.

Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com