Mary Theresa Dake's Obituary
Mary Theresa Dake, 91, passed peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Wednesday, November 4, 2020. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. She was born January 23, 1929, to Austrian immigrant parents Charles and Theresa Vukits, during the Great Depression. Mary was the first member of her family to be born in America. She grew up in Muskegon Heights and attended Sacred Heart School, where she was among one of the first graduating classes there. Mary enjoyed many activities and was very involved in her local community - even running for public office once! In her youth, she enjoyed roller skating and participated in several roller-dancing competitions. She also loved to dance and attended dances frequently until her 80s. She belonged to square dance clubs for years and made most of the outfits. Mary enjoyed golf and was on a league for many years. She was also active in her church communities, at both St Thomas the Apostle and Prince of Peace Catholic Churches, participating in church circle functions including card playing, jitney dinners, and funeral assistance. She loved to travel with George, her husband of 65 years, and her family. They camped, went on many trips and cruises – both here and abroad, and ‘snow birded’ in Phoenix, Arizona for many winters. They were members of the Vikings, Elks, the Eagles, and attended many functions there over the years. Mary was employed by Dresser Crane/Lift-Tech for most of her life, and worked there for over 42 years, until retiring at the age of 60. She is survived by her husband, George; her son, Tom (Lisa) Dake; her daughters, Sharon (Jerry) Cutter, Pam (Dale) Bennett, and Terri (John) Housler; her grandchildren, Ryan Cutter, Kimberly Barricklow, Adam (Audrey) Dake, Christopher Dake, Trent (Ashley) Housler, Emily Housler, Heather Phillips, Jake Nelson, and Casey Nelson ; her great-grandchildren, Jadiah, Kylen, Forever, Nora, Kaleb, Sophie, Ayden, Mylee, Ashlynn, and Lincoln; loving nieces and nephews, and many good friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Frank (Mary) Vukits, her sister Sally (Bob) Brush, and her granddaughter Alicia Phillips. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, and for the safety of all, services are limited to immediate family only. We look forward to gathering in the future when it is appropriate to do so. Your thoughts and prayers are much appreciated. We kindly ask that no flowers be sent. Please consider donating to the Christian Care Memory Center, 2035 S Sheridan Dr, Muskegon, MI 49442. Arrangements handled by The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 Apple Ave, Muskegon, MI 49442. Sign the guestbook online at www.sytsemafh.com
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