Mary Lee (Lovegrove) Brotebeck

Mary Lee Brotebeck, 84, of Houghton Lake passed away on Monday June 5, 2023, at The Brook of Houghton Lake, with her loving husband by her side.

Mary was born on February 12, 1939, in Flint, Michigan to Lester and Marjorie (Greer) Lovegrove. Mary graduated from Central High School in Flint and attended classes at Mott Community College, attaining her Associate Degree. After graduating, Mary soon met the love of her life, Robert Bernard Brotebeck. The two were married on April 20, 1963, in Fenton, MI. Aside from working for her family’s business, the Ben Franklin Dime Store in Fenton, in her younger days, Mary’s focus was now her home and her family. They moved to Higgins Lake in 1989 to pursue their retirement in Northern Michigan. Mary and Bob were dedicated volunteers at the St. Vincent De Paul store in Prudenville for over 20 years. They were also very active in St. Hubert’s Catholic Church in Higgins Lake, and the Roscommon Area Senior Center. Mary was a gracious, loving, and caring spouse, mother, sister, and friend to all that she knew. Being a socialite at heart, Mary was always meeting new people and expanding her circle. She loved gardening, playing cards and games like Skip-Bo and Rummikub. Mary would frequently walk the neighborhood, enjoy her front porch swing, and listen to her favorite music from the 1950’s. When she found the time, she was also known to enjoy a Hallmark movie or two. 

Surviving Mary Brotebeck are her loving Husband of 60 years, Robert Bernard Brotebeck; Children, Robert (Patty) Brotebeck, and LeeAnn Cohee; Grandchildren, Elise (Darren) Lussow, AshLee (Michael) Stanislawski, and Trace (Brianne) Cohee; Great Grandchildren, Harper and HadLee Stanislawski; and her Brother, Kurt (Jeanne) Lovegrove. She was further survived by many other loving family members and friends.

Mary was preceded in death by her Parents, Lester and Marjorie; and her Sister, Pamela (Bruce) Bretzke. 

A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions in memory of Mary are asked to be directed to St. Vincent De Paul in Prudenville. 

Christler Funeral Home, Houghton Lake Chapel is serving the family. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary Lee (Lovegrove) Brotebeck, please visit our floral store.