Corliss J. MacRury

Corliss Jane (Roy) MacRury of Fort Gratiot died March 1, 2021. “Jane”, as she was known, was born April 26, 1926 in Muskegon, MI to the late Charles and Winifred Roy. The Roys moved to Port Huron in 1930. Jane was a graduate of St. Stephen Catholic High School and married Angus MacRury on July 6, 1948. Angus died Oct. 1989. Jane’s survivors include her 5 children; Bridget (MacRury) and David Boucher; Douglas MacRury; Meredith MacRury; Capt. Timothy and Julie (McCoy) MacRury; Mark and Vilene (McAllister) MacRury; also sister Julie Roy; half-sister Connie (Roy) and Rob Braden; sister in law Jean Hyslop Child; niece, Winifred (Wheelan) and Neal Flint; several nieces and nephews. Granddaughter Rachael (Sullivan) and Pastor Jerry Theis; several great grandchildren and great nieces and nephews. Jane’s brother Allan Roy and sister Carol (Roy) Wheelan preceded her in death. Teenager Jane worked for the old Newberry’s in downtown Port Huron behind the nut/candy counter, always arriving early to roast the nuts. One of the steady customers would become her mother-in-law! Later, Jane worked as cashier/bookkeeper for A&P Grocery-the old Water St. location east of former Michigan National Bank. She attended SC4 (a Port Huron Junior College) and Wayne State University for teacher certification in the 1960’s; she taught 3rd grade at St. Christopher School, Marysville for two years. In the 70’s she was the proprietor of Mac’s Pub, Menominee MI-one of the oldest continuously operating bars in the U.P. In the early 80’s, Jane made a bold move toward her lifelong dream of sailing the Great Lakes ships. She trained in Piney Point, MD at the Seafarers Harry Lundeburg School of Seamanship. She joined The Seafarers International Union. As a U.S. Merchant Marine, she began her sailing career as “tugboat cook” with Hannah Marine, Chicago. Later she served as Second Cook aboard many freighters owned by The American Steamship Company. Resentment by some sailors toward a “woman on board” melted when they tasted Jane’s cooking! She retired at age 69. Retirement bored her so Jane returned to cashiering-this time at Meijer Fort Gratiot for nine months. Then the travel bug bit. She had a blast touring Ireland and Scotland with her sons Doug & Tim. Then came a new hip-OUCH! Upon Jane’s recovery, her best friend Heather Peters said, “Let’s go to France!” They toured Paris and the ancient coastal abbey at Mont St. Michel. Jane climbed the abbey steps at age 77 to the very top, just 10 months after hip replacement! Jane’s family and friends loved her grit, open mind, compassion, adventurous spirit, sense of humor, and great cooking. She was white collar, blue collar, wife, parent, good neighbor and HOCKEY MOM. She showed us life wasn’t about gain vs. loss-it was about playing the game with all your heart. Jane, your beautiful smile won us all! Late 2020 brought declining health. Jane faced the end in her typical way-no drama and no complaints. Her children teamed up to care for her and honor her last wish “to die in my own home in my own bed”. Jane’s daughter Meredith has lived at Thornhill Group Home since 1994. Thanks to Kathy, the home’s director. Thanks to longtime caregiver Gary. Thanks to all the great staff at Thornhill. Jane could live with confidence and die at peace knowing her daughter and all Thornhill residents are in good hands. Cremation arrangements are in the care of the Jowett Funeral Home, 1634 Lapeer Ave, Port Huron. Please donate to Feedingamerica.org in Jane’s memory. A memorial party will be held at a later date. To view the obituary and share memories, please visit www.jowettfuneraldirectors.com

Corliss J. MacRury

April 26, 1926 - March 1, 2021