Mary Lois Lincoln

Mary Lois Lincoln, born on September 8, 1956, in Grand Haven, Michigan, passed away peacefully at her home in South Haven on December 23, 2025, surrounded by her family. Her final moments were filled with the same love, warmth, and devotion she had poured into others throughout her life.

Mary was a loving, dedicated, and strong willed woman who cherished her family above all else. She was the sweetest, kindest, most forgiving, and most understanding mother a child could ever hope for. Her children, Steven Gorton and Jennifer Gorton, were the heart of her world, and she gave them everything she had; whether it was repainting a go cart to make it “more for a boy,” saving every Mother’s Day card her little Stevie ever made (carefully dated, as she always did), or offering the steady, unconditional love that shaped their lives.

Mary spent her career caring for others as a nurse in a retirement home. Her compassion, patience, and gentle strength brought comfort to countless residents and families. Her work was more than a profession; it was an extension of her heart.

Mary’s love extended far beyond her immediate family. She was a mother not only to her own children, but to many of their friends as well. She welcomed anyone who needed care; a warm meal, a safe place to land, or simply the kind of love that made a person feel seen. Her selflessness was quiet but powerful, and those she helped will carry her kindness with them forever.

She leaves behind her beloved children, Steven and Jennifer; her grandchildren, Savannah Captain and Ivy; her cherished niece, Lisa Mapson; her former husband, Jim Lincoln; and her three siblings, Karen, Debbie, and Mike, who will forever hold her memory close.

Mary also leaves behind countless “sons” of the heart. Those she cared for, fed, encouraged, and treated as her own. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and acceptance, and her generosity touched more lives than she ever realized.

In her quieter moments, Mary found joy in the simple comforts she shared with her family. She loved watching Gunsmoke with her son, a tradition that brought them closer through the years. She also enjoyed her favorite movies; Adventures in Babysitting, Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead starring Christina Applegate, Dear Santa, and, in her final days, she found peace and comfort watching her all time favorite, Last Holiday starring Queen Latifah.

Mary now joins her parents, Howard Ickes and Betty Ickes (Williams), along with other cherished family members and friends who went before her. The reunion is surely filled with peace, joy, and the love she so deeply deserved.

Those who knew Mary will remember her as a woman of quiet strength, deep empathy, and unwavering devotion. Every kindness she offered, every sacrifice she made, and every moment of understanding she gave lives on in the hearts of those she touched.

Her son Steven’s words capture the depth of her impact:

“I will always love you Mom. Your son, your little Stevie. I will see you again one day.”

Mary’s legacy is love; steadfast, gentle, and everlasting. She will be profoundly missed and forever treasured.

Cremation has been entrusted to Family First Funeral & Cremation Services. A private celebration of life will be held to honor Mary Lincoln’s memory.