Mary “Darlene” (Merritt) Magee

Our beloved mother, Mary Darlene Magee, passed away Saturday, April 12th, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mary was born July 16, 1947 to Otto and Ellen Merritt. She grew up among 3 brothers and 4 sisters, and there was always an adventure in the home. From flipping her little brother Tom over in his bassinet to riding down the hill with her siblings for ice cream, Darlene, as she was known, was always full of life.

When she was 12 years old, she met the love if her life, Harold Magee, and was immediately smitten. They would marry a few years later and were soul mates until Harold passed away April 28, 2024. They raised 3 children, son John, and daughters Sharon and Patricia. Erika, who both Harold and Mary claimed as a bonus daughter, was loved as much as one of their own. They taught their children to work hard, enjoy the outdoors, and were a shining example of true love for over 60 years.

Darlene loved puzzles, bells, computer games, camping, bouncing around the trails in her side by side at their property in Waters and trying to out fish her daughters. Most of all she loved her family. Darlene would brag often about her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her many sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, cousins and beyond.

She was the cornerstone of her family and the loss will be forever felt. Mary is survived by her son John (Barb) Magee of Boyne City, daughter Sharon (Gene) Hayden of Mancelona, Daughter Patricia of Boyne City, and daughter Erika (Josh) Pickel; grandchildren Kayla, Michael, Chelsea, Tom, EJ, Cheyenne and Zack; many great-grandchildren; sisters Karlene Kreger of West Branch and Arlene(Reed) Beal of Central Lake; many loved nieces, nephews and cousins; and lifetime best friend Theresa Fineout Graves.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life Harold; brothers Bob, David, Fred, Tom; and sisters Marlene and Kathy.

A memorial service will be held Thursday April 24th, 2025 at Stackus Funeral Home in Boyne City. Visitation begins at 10:00 am followed by the service at 11:00 am. 

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