Mary Eugenia Prestler

Prestler, Mary Eugenia – known as Mary to her friends, and Gene to her family – passed away at her home on March 15, 2024.  Gene was born in Jackson on January 19, 1937, the fourth of 16 children.  She grew up in a busy house on High Street and graduated from St. Mary High School in 1955.  She worked as a phlebotomist at Foote Hospital for 38 years and volunteered at St. Luke's Clinic for several years after she retired.

Gene will be dearly missed and will leave a hole in the hearts of many people, including her children: Debbie (Tom) Savage, Dick, Tim (Stephani), Pat (Tabitha), Mike, Scott, and Greg; her 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren (with one on the way); her brothers and sisters Larry, Frank, P.J., Eileen, Mike, Midgie, Mary Lou, and Barbara; and numerous nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Patrick and Marion McDonald; her brothers, Don, Hughie, Tom, and Joe; and her sisters Mary Anne, Mary Martha, and Kitty.

Gene was a deep, strong, courageous, and generous person.  She was a devoted daughter and a capable, dependable presence, always, in the lives of her younger siblings.  She was also fun, funny, and feisty.  Gene brought the fun to any get-together.  She raised her six boys in a busy house on Greenwood Avenue.  She never missed one of their events, and they were involved in every sport - baseball, football, hockey, basketball, and track!  Gene used to take her kids (and their friends) everywhere: to see the Tigers play, to U-M football games, Bob-Lo Island, Clark Lake, Cedar Point, the Jackson County Fair, and on trips up north.  She'd pile them all in the station wagon and off they'd go.

A defining moment in Gene's life occurred in 1997 when she and her daughter found each other again.  She loved her girl and each of her boys with all her heart.

According to Gene's wishes, cremation has taken place.  The Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church on Thursday, March 21, 2024, with visitation at 9:00 AM, followed by the Mass at 10:00 AM, with Father Tim Nelson officiating.

Instead of sending flowers, contributions to Mott's Children's Hospital or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital would be appreciated.

The family would like to remember and thank Gene's longtime physician, Dr. Eugene Willoughby, and to extend our gratitude to Dr. Sana Chams, and to the staff at Elara Caring, Vista Grande Villa, and CareLinc Medical Supply for their unending help and kindness.