Mary C. Strelcheck

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Mary C. Strelcheck, 88, a long-time resident of Gogebic Medical Care Facility, formerly of Bessemer, passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, Nov. 26, 2023.

Mary was born on April 1, 1934, the daughter of Joseph and Sophie (Hornick) Grasso. Mary graduated from Hurley High School in 1953.

On Aug. 27, 1955, she was united in marriage to William H. Strelcheck at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Montreal, Wisconsin. They were happily married for 58 years.

Mary was employed at Gambles store and Super Value, both in Bessemer. She has been a member of St. Sebastian Church, the Daughters of Isabella, and the American Legion Auxiliary since 1959, and she has volunteered at St. Sebastian pasty sales.

Mary loved hosting large family gatherings and enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taking them sledding, playing cards, outings at the camp, and making cinnamon rolls and pasties. She was always willing to help anyone in need and was a great caregiver to many. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She was predeceased by her parents; sister, Diane Grasso; her husband, William; and brothers, Joseph, Richard, and Michael Grasso.

Mary is survived by two sons, Gary (Diane) of Olathe, Kansas, and Randy (Jennifer) of Kingsford; a daughter, Diane (Kevin) McIlhon of Clive, Iowa: seven grandchildren, Kari (J.D.) Hillen, Katie (Brad) Smith, Joseph (Jenny) Strelcheck, Kevin (Lisa) Strelcheck, Melissa (Mason) McIlhon, Molly McIlhon and Emma McIlhon; six great-grandchildren, Logan, Luke, Grant, Gabby, Jason and Eleanor; a sister, Lucille Dovichi; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

To honor Mary's life, visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Sebastian Catholic Church on Friday, July 12, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11 a.m. with Fr. Dominic Agyapong officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the very caring staff at Gogebic Medical Care Facility. Everyone there showed Mary and her family great care and kindness.

The family has chosen the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home in Ironwood to honor Mary's legacy of life. To make an online condolence visit McKevittPatrickFuneralHome.com.