Obituaries

On November 8, 2025, MaryBeth Brocklehurst, age 101, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, was called home to her heavenly Father. She passed peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Her final days were spent at Ball Hospice House where she received wonderful loving care from their staff. She resided at McKinley Manor Assisted Living for the past ten years. MaryBeth formed loving bonds with staff and residents, and they became an extended family to her.

Mary Elizabeth (Holt) Brocklehurst was born on August 26, 1924, in Sault Ste. Marie to Fred and Mary (Schoessel) Holt. She graduated from Sault High School with the class of 1942. MaryBeth went on to work at First National Bank as a bookkeeper and later at the Chippewa County Treasurer’s Office as a clerk/secretary.

MaryBeth married the love of her life, Jim Brocklehurst, on January 31, 1953, at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church. She has been an active member of the church since her confirmation in 1938. She enjoyed participating in many activities, joined the Dorcas Society Women’s Group, sang in the church choir, and was a Sunday School teacher. Her faith has consistently been her firm foundation, and she was frequently saying how blessed she has been in her life.

Hobbies of MaryBeth’s were knitting and crocheting, creating many beautiful Afghans, baby blankets and sweater sets for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed oil painting, playing cards, and traveling, especially south with Jim for the winter months.
Her favorite place to be, however, was their cabin on Lake Superior in Brimley, Michigan. Countless summers were spent fishing as much as she could, spending time on the beach, boating and swimming. She loved to listen to the sound of the waves as they rolled in. Her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life, and she shared her love of music, art and generational stories with them all.

Together they had five children, Nancy (Tom) Chadwick of Sault Ste. Marie, Betsy (Al) Tester of Sault Ste. Marie, Dan (Mary Ellen) Brocklehurst of Charlotte, Michigan, Patty Brocklehurst of Charlotte, and Barb (Craig) Correll of Mohrsville, Pennsylvania; eight grandchildren, Alison (Mike) Kasprzak, Chris (Bethany) Rodenroth, Brian (Joelle) Rodenroth, Julie Chadwick, Jamie Chadwick, Sara (Dustin) Hall, Jerod Brocklehurst and Megan (Micah) Senen; nine great-grandchildren, Joseph, Jacob, and Annalise Kasprzak, Ryan, Evan, and Charlie Rodenroth, and Everett, Paige, and Palmer Rodenroth. MaryBeth is also survived by her sister-in-law, Lillian Holt of Sault Ste. Marie; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

MaryBeth was preceded in death by her loving husband Jim; daughter, Betsy Tester; her parents, Fred and Mary; brother, Jack Holt; and sister, Betty (Lyle) Crozier.

Visitation will be held on November 13, 2025, beginning at 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 615 Washington Way, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. The church service will follow at 11:30 AM.

Burial will immediately follow at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens in Bruce Township.

Memorial contributions can be made in MaryBeth’s honor to the following;
Immanuel Lutheran Church 615 Washington Way, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
Ball Hospice House 308 West 12th Ave., Sault Ste Marie, MI 49783
North Woods Home Care and Hospice 500 West McMillan, Newberry, MI 49868

Family Life Funeral Homes – Sault Ste. Marie assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.