Mary Catherine Russell

September 22, 1939 - February 9, 2021

Mary Catherine Russell, 81, of Bay City, our loving, devoted, and most generous mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend was born into eternal life on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at McLaren Bay Region. Mary Catherine was born in Bay City on September 22, 1939, the daughter of the late Robert and Loretta (Brancheau) Robinson. While at the twenty-first birthday party of Franklin “Bob” Russell, Jr., Mary Catherine happened to fall in love with the birthday boy. They were engaged the next day and united in marriage on August 2, 1958 in St. James Church. Mary Catherine was a wonderful homemaker, who loved her family more than life itself. She was known for her wonderful meals and baked goods, and always was thinking of others before herself. A true servant of the Lord, Mary Catherine was a devout Catholic, who prayed the Rosary daily. She enjoyed playing cards, especially Euchre and Smear, along with crocheting, knitting, reading, and her favorite – collecting bells. Her nurturing and kind ways will forever live on in the hearts of her family and friends for generations to come. Mary Catherine leaves to carry on her legacy, her four children, Colleen (Kelly) Beson, Russ Russell, Scott (Theresa) Russell, and Stuart (Angie) Russell. She was the most loving and supportive “Mimi” of Joshua (Jen) Schwab, Stefenie Schwab (fiancé, Joe Barto), Kelsie (Patrick) Peters, Brandon (Madison) Fitzgerald-Russell, Emilee Russell, Tyler (Madison) Russell, Austin (Julie) Russell, Dustin (Amanda) Russell, Kamy Hawkshaw, Krista (Jesse) Inman, and will forever be missed by her fifteen great-grandchildren (with two on the way) Mary Catherine also leaves behind her siblings, Jeanette Brandel, Sharon and Jim McGrail, Loretta and John Nowakowski, and Robert Robinson; brother-in-law, Richard Allish, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to her parents, Mary Catherine was welcomed home to heaven by her beloved husband, Bob Russell, who preceded her on May 15, 2017 after 59 years of marriage; daughter-in-law, Debbie Russell, and in-laws, Ward Brandel, Joyce Robinson, and Marie Allish. Mary Catherine’s family will be present to receive visitors on Sunday, February 14, 2021 from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Skorupski Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 821 N. Pine Rd., between Ridge & Center. On Monday, February 15, 2021, Mary Catherine will be taken to St. Catherine of Siena Parish (St. Vincent de Paul Church), 2956 E. North Union Rd., Bay City, where visiting will continue from 10:00 AM until Mary Catherine’s 11:00 AM Funeral Liturgy. Fr. James Wm. Bessert will officiate with cremation to follow. The Rite of Committal will be held privately in Floral Gardens Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the wishes of the family. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.