Mary Ropelle

February 1, 1907 - June 23, 2010

MARY ROPELLE NORWAY- Mary Ropelle age 103 of Norway, died Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at Freeman Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Kingsford, MI. She was born on February 1, 1907 in Norway, the daughter of the late Julius and Elizabeth (Van Immerseel) Bergen. Mary married John Ropelle on December 20, 1934 in Iron Mountain, MI. He preceded her in death on May 28, 1983. She worked at the Yorke Café, SIFO Toy Factory as an inspector, DeRidders Store, Carlsons Bakery and Parke Davis. Mary is a member of St. Barbara’s Church, member of the St. Barbara’s Adult Choir, and the Anderson Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for many years. She did a lot of volunteer work at Holy Spirit School in the kitchen and worked at all the pasty sales. She volunteered at Community Action and the Senior Center for many years. Mary was honored at a dinner as volunteer of the year for the Community Action Agency. She is survived by her daughters Rosemary DeBakker of Kingsford and Jeannette Erspamer of Norway; 8 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; 5 great great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her brother Dr. Paul Bergen and sister Adeline DeRidder. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 28 from 10-11 a.m. at St. Barbara Catholic Church in Vulcan. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Barbara Church with Fr. James Roetzer, presiding. Interment will follow at the Norway Township Cemetery. The family request that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s name to Holy Spirit School, St. Barbara’s Church or The Carmelite Monastery.