April 27, 1941 – September 30, 2023

Mary Evelyn (Labbe) Michael passed away on Saturday, September 30, 2023.

Mary’s life began on April 27, 1941, the youngest of 7 children born to Evelyn and Roland Labbe. She was born and raised in

Michigan and held a special spot in her heart for that state all of her life. Throughout her childhood, Mary and her family experienced deep heartache with the loss of her 12-year-old sibling when Mary was just 2 months old, the angst of having 3 of her brothers deployed in the Navy during WWII and the loss of her father when she was age 13. Mary also lost her first sweetheart to an automobile accident when she was 16.

Mary began dating Leo Michael in 1960 and they were married in July of 1961. Their son, Leo Jr. was born in 1962 and Dennis came close behind in 1963. Daughter Joan was born in 1966. Mary and Leo welcomed Mary’s mother Evelyn into their home when the children were young and they continued on as a household of 6.

Mary and Leo moved to California in the 1960s and stayed there until 1978 when they moved to San Juan Island. Over the next 35+ years, she worked at King’s Market, Friday Harbor Drug, San Juan County Bank and Market Place. Mary loved working in customer service and when she finally retired in her early 70’s, she often commented on how much she missed her customers. She also volunteered at Mullis Senior Center and was a parishioner of St. Francis Catholic Church.

In 1983, Mary lost her beloved husband, Leo Sr. There were many difficult years after that but Mary received significant love and support from her friends on the island and continued to take care of her mother until she passed in 1995.

In 2018, Mary experienced multi-organ failure and appeared to be in her final days but she rallied and shocked us all. She did, however, have to move off-island to be near a kidney center and it broke her heart to have to leave Friday Harbor. Mary moved to an independent living apartment in Mount Vernon and made a wonderful home there, making many friends and enjoying life to the fullest. She felt blessed to have been given the time to meet 6 more great-grandchildren and see all of her grandchildren be married. She always loved a good party.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, parents and 5 of her 6 siblings. Mary leaves behind her children, Leo (Christine), Dennis (Alenda) and Joan (Roland), 5 grandchildren whom she adored, 7 beautiful great-grandchildren – with 1 more soon to come – her sister Joan, numerous nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

Mary’s family is deeply grateful to the staff and residents of Mountain Glen Retirement Community, the staff at Fresenius Kidney Care and the staff at Skagit Valley Hospital. Memorial service date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.