Mary Ann (Stephens) Doolittle

Mary Ann Doolittle, age 61, of AuTrain, died peacefully at home during the night watch of her loving husband on Monday, July 13, 2020.  Mary was born on June 27, 1959 in Munising to the late George and Nancy (Casey) Stephens.  She grew up in Munising and graduated from Wm. G. Mather High School.   Mary swam on the swim team and worked as a Pete’s Lake lifeguard throughout high school.  She attended Northern Michigan University before going to work at Hartho.  Mary married Tom McCollum on December 11, 1982 and together raised their daughter, Chelsea Marie.  Mary helped with the family business, T.M. Trucking, and took Chelsea along on many parts and supply trips.  In later years she was involved with the SMI classrooms in both Deerton and Munising Schools then returned to Timber Products. Tom preceded her in death on September 4, 2001.  She continued her hard-working ethic throughout the rest of her life and helped care for the McCollum triplets and Cain children until they went to school then worked for Commission on Aging with home visit, running activities for the Alzheimers club, secretarial work, and volunteering to escort children with the walk to school program.  Mary loved all, but had a special place in her heart for children, elderly, and animals.

She met Mark Doolittle and they were married on July 26, 2004.  Mark made Mary happy and together had many cherished times, especially out at camp on Mervin Lake.  She was a wonderful woman who laughed and loved fiercely with an ever-present calming and patient kindness.  Mary enjoyed agate hunting on the beach, walking, spending time at camp, hunting and fishing.  She was honored as “Grandparent of the Year” in 2016 by her granddaughter and she loved spoiling Jeffrey and Morgan and sharing her favorite past times with them.  She also loved her little dog Tiko that ruled the house and stayed faithfully by her side until the end.  Mary had an outstanding sense of humor and the annual Christmas shopping trip in Appleton always included a picture of her sitting on Santa’s lap.  She had an amazing gift of making whoever was in her presence feel special.

Mary is survived by her husband – Mark Doolittle of AuTrain; daughter and son-in-law – Chelsea and Jeff Martin of Eben Junction; grandchildren – Jeffrey and Morgan Martin; brothers – Rick Stephens of Munising and Tom Stephens of Munising; sister Kathy (Steve) Anthony of Marquette; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends and relatives who were with her through her sickness and her health – Pam Kuivanen and Betty and Cecil Martin.  She was preceded in death by her parents George and Nancy, husband Tom, and brother Patrick Stephens.

Private family services will take place at a later date and will be shared at that time.  If wishing to memorialize Mary, it is suggested that donations be sent to the Alger County Commission on Aging in her name.

Her family would especially like to thank Dana from Lake Superior Hospice for the care and time spent with Mary and Pastor Tom Schierkolk for his visits and guidance.