Obituaries

Mary Ruth Gamelin, age 75 of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan went home to be with her Lord on July 17, 2023, at Pennington House in Pickford, Michigan surrounded by her family.

Mary Ruth was born in Sault Ste. Marie, MI on September 22, 1947, to the late Jim W. and Dorothy Mae (McKay) Brownlee.

Mary Ruth was a graduate of Sault High School and was a member of the St Isaac Jogues Catholic Church and American Legion Post #3. Mary Ruth was an elder and member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. On April 26, 1969, Mary Ruth married Alvin Gamelin in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

Mary Ruth absolutely loved her job and the tourists while working with Soo locks, then Sault historic sites handing out promotional brochures. Rain or shine she always had a smile.

She enjoyed spending time with the Sault Tribe Elders, attending lunches, and keeping up on monthly meetings, and many bus trips.

She especially loved all her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Of the many things she enjoyed was her time spent with her friend Joann Nault going to McDonald's, Wendy's, and shopping.

She loved her church, Saint Isaac Joques.

Mary Ruth is survived by her daughter: Michelle (Gary) Dunkel; and grandchildren: Christin (Jordan Perry) Dunkel, Amanda (James) Neuenschwander, Carrie (Becky Nelson) Dunkel; and great grandchildren: Jaden Dunkel, Adelyn Perry, Mackenzie Perry, Arya, Ivan, Neuenschwander. Mary Ruth was also survived by her siblings: Nancy (Wayne) Lowes, and Kathy (Marty Martell) Laprairie; also, one nephew Rich Lowes.

Mary Ruth was preceded in death by the love of her life, Alvin Gamelin in 2009.

A funeral mass will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, July 21, 2023, at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church with Fr. Dominic as Celebrant. Friends may call at the church starting at 12:00 noon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be left to the Pennington Home or St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church.