Mary Elizabeth Nutkins
February 8, 1948 – August 20, 2023
Longtime Newberry resident, Mary Elizabeth Nutkins, 75, died Sunday evening August 20, 2023 at Golden Leaves Living Center in Newberry.
Born February 8, 1948 in Sault Ste. Marie, daughter of the late Edgar J. and Inas B. (Bassett) Nutkins, Mary was a 1966 graduate of Newberry High School. Mary attended Henry Ford School of Nursing, transferring to Northern Michigan University and obtaining her certification in nursing in 1968.
Mary was formerly employed as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital and also served as an administrator at the former Luce County Annex. She established Butterfly Haven AFC Home (now known as Robin’s Nest AFC Home) in Newberry, operating the home for several years until the sale of the business. Mary later attended Grand Rapids Community College receiving an associate degree in culinary arts in 1991. Following a long employment career, Mary retired in 2010.
Mary was a longtime active member of the First Presbyterian Church serving on several committees, member of the American Legion Post #74 Ladies Auxiliary, on the Board of Department of Health and Human Services and chaired the board for a time, she was also involved with the Community Meal at the Presbyterian Church, besides so many other activities and events in the community. She was a blood drive volunteer always providing her delicious homemade cookies. She was also known for her cracked wheat bread, cinnamon rolls and many other baked goods. She loved to cook for others. You knew you were loved and thought of if you received a card from her, birthdays, anniversaries, get well, etc., she enjoyed remembering everyone she could.
In addition to her parents, Mary is preceded in death by her brother E. John Nutkins, brother-in-law Robert Schwiderski and sister-in-law Jane Nutkins.
Survivors include her siblings Beatrice “Bea” Schwiderski of Washington, Illinois, Teddy (Susie) Nutkins of Newberry, Curt (Debbie) Nutkins of St. Clair Shores, Jay Nutkins of Grandville and Barbara (Joe) McInnis of Wetmore; close friend Pastor Nancy Barkat of Newberry; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
A gathering of family and friends will take place Friday August 25, 2023 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church. A memorial service celebrating the life of Mary will follow at 11:00 am at the church with Pastor Melinda VanderSys officiating. Interment will take place at the Forest Home Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church Women’s Association, PO Box 443, Newberry, Michigan 49868 in her loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com. Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.
