Mary Alice Fletcher peacefully passed away on February 18th, 2024, at the age of 86, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was born on January 11th, 1938, to Otho and Grace Mikel. Upon the passing of her father, Mary’s mother married John Auer. She is survived by her sister, Jean Lightfoot, brother John (Sue) Mikel, and step-brother, Larry (Carol) Ross. She is preceded in death by her step-sister, Katherine (Leroy) Ross and brother-in-law, Robert Lightfoot.

Mary attended James Whitcomb Riley High School in South Bend. She met her high school sweetheart, Richard L. Fletcher, on the dance floor at the YMCA, and they married in 1957. Mary is also survived by her and Richard’s children: Steven (Tonya) Fletcher and Kimberly (Eugene) Dudeck; grandchildren: Trent (Kayla) Fletcher, Corey (Katlynn) Fletcher, Gracie (Daniel) Clickovich; great-grandchildren: Oliver and Kylan Fletcher, Ava Clickovich.

After high school, Mary attended nursing school. She worked as a general practice nurse for Dr. Tapley and Dr. Pairitz before transitioning to a radiology/oncology nurse at Memorial Hospital.

During her lifetime, Mary enjoyed traveling to warm climates to visit friends, fishing with family in Wisconsin, and spending time with her grandchildren where her age never got in her way of doing things she probably shouldn't have, like belly sliding down the hills of Erskine Golf Course during the winter. One of the things Mary always looked forward to every year was taking the South Shore to Chicago to go Christmas shopping. In her later years, Mary loved when her grandchildren would sneak her sweets. She was full of life and lit up every room she entered. Mary Alice had a fierceness about her that stemmed from the love she had for her family and friends. Her contagious laughter and warm hugs were loved by everyone she met.

Private family services will be held and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend, IN.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heart to Heart Hospice;620 W. Edison Rd #122, Mishawaka, IN 46545.

Please leave condolences for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

02/20/2024 djb