Mary Wickens

East Lansing - Mary Catherine Wickens, 72, of East Lansing, Michigan, passed away on February 19, 2024.

Mary was born on November 3, 1951 to Bennie and Patricia (Wolf) Wickens in Battle Creek, Michigan. Mary studied at Michigan State University and graduated in 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Justice, Morality, and Constitutional Democracy. In 1978, Mary furthered her education at the University of Michigan Law School where she participated in the Child Advocacy Clinical Law Program and in 1979, Mary earned her Juris Doctor degree from Cooley Law School.

Mary continued in the field of law until her death. She taught law classes at Cooley Law School for many years and was an expert in health care compliance. Her career as an attorney included 11 years at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan as Assistant General Counsel and Compliance Officer. For the past 23 years, she has worked independently as a lawyer specializing in health care compliance and payment consulting.

In 1992, Mary married her husband, James Erickson, and the two of them shared a deep love for one another. Mary and James loved going to sporting events together, especially cheering for the Spartans, and they loved traveling.

Mary was predeceased by her parents, Bennie and Patricia Wickens. She is survived by her husband, James Erickson, and her stepchildren, Naomi, James, Will, John, Ben and Ray. She is also survived by her siblings, Bruce Wickens; Cindy (Jamie) Knowlton; Steve Wickens; Larry (Jenny) Wickens; Theresa Wickens; Tom Wickens; and Jim (Arlene) Wickens; her stepmother, Connie Wickens; and many nieces, nephews, friends and colleagues.

Mary's departure has come as a great shock and will be felt by many in her family and in her professional network. Family and friends of Mary appreciate your support during this time and kindly ask that you make a donation to Brennan Center for Justice to honor her memory in lieu of a service.