Mary Lillian Rocha

Born in Detroit, Michigan to John and Martha (McGarvey) McMurdie. Mary was resourceful and worked hard for her family. She worked in a plastics plant making model car parts for AMT. Later she became a beautician working in a couple local shops before settling for a long career at a salon in Dearborn. She spent most of her career doing pedicures, manicures and waxing.

She married her beloved Ernest in November of 1959. Together they raised a family in Detroit. Mary is preceded in death by her beloved Ernie; her parents; sister, Opal; brother, James; sons, Philip Mageri and Rocky Wood; son-in-law, Richard Simpson.

She is survived by her children: son, Rogers and his wife Su Rocha, their daughters Tabitha, Samantha and families; daughter Teresa Simpson and Grace (Mary's beloved furry grandchild); son, Joseph Rocha and his wife Geri, along with granddaughter Kirby Rocha and fiance Trevor Elliott.

She was a long time member of a Lutheran church in Detroit and spent a lot of time serving in the kitchen for different functions. In 2019 due to ill health she moved to Holt, Michigan to be near her daughter and resided in an assisted living home. She was a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.

A private graveside funeral and burial will be held for immediate family only. Donation may be made in her name to Compassus Hospice Care of Lansing, 801 S. Waverly, Suite 200, Lansing, MI 48917.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Pastors Norm Burger and Joel Tullberg for providing pastoral care. Thank you to Hospice nurses Nicole, Kaley and Trish along with all the Compassus staff, for the excellent care provided to our mother during her Hospice journey. We cannot thank you enough.

Special thanks to her caregivers Brandy, Dani, and Tiff, thank you for helping care for her, especially the last couple of challenging days.

Carol Barry and Erin Scott, her social working team at TriCounty office of the aging, thank you for helping us provide a home and care for her.

To her friend, Penny, Joe, Maxine and Betty, thank you for the prayers and your kindness to our family. Above all thank you for making her days brighter. God Bless.