Mary Catherine Houle, age 92, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025 at Legacy Assisted Living Center in Jackson, MI.
Mary was born on November 22, 1932, in Chelsea, MI, the daughter of Emmett and Oleta (Hutzel) Hankerd. A lifelong Chelsea resident, Mary graduated from Chelsea High School and worked as a dental assistant. She married Raymond Joseph Houle in August 1954 at St. Mary Catholic Church. He preceded her in death in 1982.
Mary was a devoted lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir. Faith, family, and friends were the center of her life. She found great joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved gardening, canning, cooking and baking, and tending to her flowers.
Mary is survived by a daughter, Marie C. Houle-Krause; daughter-in-law, Denise Houle; and son, Tom (Carol) Houle; grandchildren: Jeremy (Emerson David Mora) Montange, Kevin Omans, Kari (Jeff) Corser, Audri (Leslie) Rogers, Lillian (Andy) Dotzlaf, Ashley (Brad) Hogan, Danielle (Brian) House, and Brian (Alex) Houle; and great-grandchildren: Ava Omans; Caleb and Kiersten Corser; Keith and Amelia Rogers; Raymond and Harrison Dotzlaf; Tyler and Elise Hogan; George, Charles, Brenton, and Jack House. She is also survived by a sister, Eileen Brooks, and brother-in-law, David Scharphorn, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond, her son, Mark Houle, and her siblings: Sr. Helen Hankerd, Therese Scharphorn, Roseann (Joe) Salvante, Bud (Jeanette) Hankerd, and infant sister, Jane Cecile Hankerd.
Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., with a Rosary service at 8:00 p.m., and at the church on Friday from 10-11 a.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 31, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
