Mary M. DuRussel

Loved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and dear friend passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home in Westland, holding her daughter’s hand, on Thursday, December 12, 2024. She was a proud 1955 graduate of Sacred Heart High School in Merrill, MI. She met Floyd J. DuRussel, while polka dancing at the Ace of Club and they married in 1964. 

Mary was a secretary/office professional her entire career, expertly applying her shorthand skills, even at home on her grocery list. She retired from Dow Chemical Company. The role of her lifetime, one that she treasured and cherished above all others, was to be a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Mary was a lifelong and faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Hemlock. 

Her little piece of heaven was spending time with her children and grandchildren, especially attending all their sporting and school events. She made it possible for her children to travel across the country to play at the highest levels of competition in baseball and softball. She was so proud of that and even more proud of them.

Mary always loved school and at 50 years old, Mary attended Delta College where she received her Associate’s Degree. She also loved gardening and baking, especially her famous pies. To get on Mary’s “pie list” was a pretty big deal. She held a special place in her heart for all of her dogs. Mary will forever be remembered for her strong and hard work ethic, for the kindness and compassion she had for everyone, and for being the best mother and grandmother anyone could ask for. 

Surviving are her husband, Floyd J. DuRussel; their children: Henry (Michelle) DuRussel and their children: Samantha DuRussel and Rebecca (Preston) Christoff; Christine (Bret) DuRussel; Deanna (Chris) DuRussel; Scott (Leesa) DuRussel and their children: Travis and Ellie DuRussel; Valerie (Alan) Watson and their children: Olivia, Claire, Chloe, and Allie Watson; Monica (Ben) Borsenik and their children: Sydney, Lauren, and Hannah Borsenik; a brother, Fred Filipiak. Also surviving are many brothers and sisters-in-law, and countless nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. 

She was preceded in death by a grandson, Joshua DuRussel; a brother, Edward (Lorraine) Filipiak; parents, Anthony and Laura Filipiak; and several brothers and sisters-in-law. 

A funeral liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024, at St. John XXIII Parish, St. Mary Catholic Church, 151 St. Mary’s Drive, Hemlock, MI 48626. Rev. Fr. Steve Gavit will officiate. Private rite of committal will follow at St. Mary Cemetery. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church on Monday, December 16, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Amazing Grace Animal Rescue in Freeland or Dalis to the Rescue in Alma. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.casefuneralhome.com.