Marquette––Mary E. Richard, 61, of 2592 Werner Street, Marquette, entered eternal life Saturday evening, September 15, 2007, at her home, in the comfort and loving care of her family and the caregivers of Lake Superior Hospice.
Mary was born February 14, 1946, in L’Anse, a daughter of John and Gladys (Liimatainen) Chaudier. She was raised in L’Anse, and upon high school graduation, enrolled at Northern Michigan University where she received an associate degree. On April 30, 1966, she married Allen A. Richard at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey and together the couple established their home and raised their family in Marquette. A stay at home mom, while her girls were young, Mary was voluntarily employed at several positions at St. Christopher’s Elementary School. At one point she worked part-time, for seven years at the office of Stephen Hyde, DDS as a receptionist. She was later employed at Northern Michigan University’s Bookstore, retiring in 2004 after 25 years of service. Mary was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church and altar society, assisting at such parish functions as pasty sales, receptions, and funeral luncheons. In her leisure, she enjoyed following the activities of her grandsons, gardening, and loved going to the casino and garage sales.
Mary is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Allen; her loving daughters, Cassandra Leigh (Charles) Temple of Tiverton, RI, Suzanne Mary (Kenneth) Lancour of Marquette, and Beth Alexandria (Robert) Atkins of Kalamazoo. Also, the greatest joys in her life, the grandsons she adored; Allen Michael Lancour, Aaron James Lancour, Jacob Arthur Atkins, Wyatt Everett Atkins, and Shane Anthony Temple. Also surviving are brothers, John A. (Jacquelin) Chaudier of Ventura, CA, Joseph A. (Doris) Chaudier of L’Anse, David A. (Jean) Chaudier of Gwinn, William M. (Paige) Chaudier and Thomas G. (Karen) Chaudier both of Negaunee, and Frederick R. Chaudier of Nashville, TN; a sister-in-law, Faye Chaudier of Baraga; and a brother-in-law, Wayne Young of Negaunee; twenty-five nieces and nephews; and several great nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her very special grandson, Anthony Robert Atkins; her only sister, Marlene Young; and brothers, Dennis W. Chaudier and Durwyn J. Chaudier.
Friends may call at St. Christopher Catholic Church on Wednesday, September 19, beginning at 11:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00 pm Wednesday afternoon with Rev. Jeff Johnson as celebrant. Burial will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery with family members serving as escorts. A reception for family and friends will be held in the church fellowship hall.