MARY ELEANOR RIVARD

Mary Eleanor Rivard, 74 of Gwinn died peacefully, Friday evening, January 6, 2017 at her home, surrounded by her family and under the care of Lake Superior Hospice. She was born June 17, 1942 in Negaunee, a daughter of the late John and Eleanor (Mitchell) Kirpatrick. She was raised in Crystal Falls and was a 1960 graduate of Crystal Falls High School. On June 11, 1960 she married James C. Rivard in Guardian Angels Church in Crystal Falls. Mary graduated from the CNA program at NMU and worked in home health care for many years, 13 of which for Arcadia Home Health Care. She was a member of the Gwinn Club House and the Gwinn Merry Mixers. At age 50, she took up the hobby of motorcycling with her husband and loved traveling. She also enjoyed attending her grandchildren's various sporting events through the years. Mary is survived by her children, Terresa (Stanton) Bigham of Gwinn, Michelle (James) Stephens of Colorado Springs and James (Julie) Rivard, Jr. of Ishpeming; grandchildren, Aaron Bigham, Keith (Lindsay) Johnstone Cody (Kristen) Bigham, Danielle (Clayton) Brennen, Kirsten (Endish) Tedla, Karli (Curt Calovecchi) Bigham, Becca Stephens, Jace (Leila) Stephens, Taylo...[more]

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tephens, Madison Stephens, Austin Rivard and Paige Rivard. Great-grandchildren, Brenden & Hailee Bigham, Izzy Johnstone, Caleigh and Carsyn Bigham, Kingston & Asher Brennen and Lilah Lindeman. A brother, John (Peggy) Kirkpatrick of Daggett, MI. and sister-in-law Marla Kirkpatrick of Crystal Falls, MI. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James Rivard, Sr.; grandchild, Zachary Stephens; and a brother, Rodney Kirkpatrick. A memorial service was held in the Canale-Gwinn Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Lake Superior Hospice, the Gwinn Merry Mixers or the Gwinn Library. Memories of Mary may be shared at canalefuneral.com