Mary Joyce Pagels

Mary Joyce Pagels, 66 of Gaylord, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 10, 2018 at her home on Barn Owl Court in Gaylord.

Mary was born April 10, 1952 to Seth and Ruth Manning in Petoskey.  She graduated from high school in 1970 and from North Central Michigan College in 1973 with a degree in Business/Secretarial Sciences.  Over the years from 1973 to 2018 she worked at legal, administrative assistant and office manager positions, most recently working at New Life Pregnancy Resource Center.

Mary is survived by her husband of 30 years, James Pagels; their three daughters, Julie (Chad) Neumann and granddaughter Melody, Dawn Pagels and Tina Pagels; one brother, John Lee (Sandy) Manning; nephews, Mike (Joy) Manning and Steve Manning; and a niece, Kelly (Jeff) Brey.  She is also survived by Jim’s family; mom, Ollie Pagels; a sister, Kathleen (Brett) Chardenet; a nephew, Brad and niece, Lauren; and a sister-in-law, Marilyn (Richard) Lonergan.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents, Seth and Ruth Manning; and her oldest brother, Seth Manning.

In 1994, Mary was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, ten months after giving birth to twins, Dawn and Tina.  In 1998 she was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.  In 2016 she started the Otsego County Cancer Support Group to bring encouragement and information to those dealing with cancer.  Through 23 years of a long hard fight, she shared her love and trust in Jesus and looked for ways to encourage other people dealing with cancer.

Mary loved her family and friends and was energized when she had people around her.  She also loved to volunteer; starting in 2001 she began volunteering for 13 years for New Life Pregnancy Resource Center (later becoming an employee in 2014).  She loved working for New Life and her love for people came through to the clients.  She also enjoyed volunteering at her church, the First United Methodist Church and for years she sang in the church choir.

Mary loved reading and taking her dogs for long walks in the woods.  Most of all, she loved spending time and laughing with her three girls, Julie, Dawn and Tina; her husband, Jim; all of her family (especially spending time with her granddaughter, Melody May) and her many friends.  Mary will be remembered for her strong faith and trust in Jesus, which brought her peace through her long battle with cancer, her sense of humor, her strength and her positive attitude.

Mary’s family will visit with friends from 5:00-8:00 PM Friday, July 27, 2018 at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church at 11:00 AM Saturday, July 28, 2018 where visitation will begin at 10:00 AM.

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the New Life Pregnancy Resource Center, P.O. Box 790, Gaylord, MI  49734.  Please share your memories and personal messages with Mary’s family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com