Mary Lucille “Mary Lu” Goodman (Obrest), of Hale, passed away at home on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at 76 years of age. Mary Lu was born on September 30, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan to John Francis and Lucille Lucille (Toutant) Obrest. Mary Lu graduated from St. Philip Neri Catholic School in Detroit in 1965. On November 12, 1976, Mary Lu married the love of her life, Gene Nelson Goodman, and enjoyed 45 amazing years together! She relocated to Hale from Roseville with her husband and children in 1981 and worked in advertising and sales for over 25 years, before retiring in 2008.
Mary Lu enjoyed planting flowers, raising sheep on the small family farm, and canning fresh garden vegetables. But her most favorite hobby was her family. Mary Lu was a dedicated and caring wife and mother. She spent many years raising and caring for her own three children, before becoming a grandmother and helping to watch her grandchildren and spending as much time as possible with them. She loved watching her children and grandchildren participate in many sports during their school years and attended all their games. Mary Lu was very fond of holidays and family time, especially Christmas and gift giving. Mary Lu had a large, generous heart and was always looking to help others in need. She has helped with the NEMSCA food drive distribution for several years, is a member of the Red Hats Society, and is on the Council of Catholic Women at St. Pius X. Mary Lu was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Hale and was a devout christian, never wavering from her faith or her love for God.
Mary Lu is survived by her loving husband, Gene Nelson Goodman; her children; Nicole Goodman of Clarkston, John (Kylee) Goodman of LeRoy, and Amanda Goodman of Hale; brother and sister in law John “Jack” and Barbara Obrest of Sterling Heights; grandchildren Brooke (George) Kangas, Trent Kangas, Gage Kangas, Zackary Graham and Emma Goodman, one great-grandson; George Denstedt Jr., nephews; David Goodman, Jack Obrest, Michael Baranek and Robert Baranek; and also many cousins. Mary Lu was preceded in death by her parents, John F. and Lucille L. (Toutant) Obrest, sisters; Shirley Anne (Obrest) Baranek and Joan Elaine Obrest, nephew; Donald Baranek, niece; Sarah Goodman, father and mother in law; Herman and Amanda Goodman; brother in law; Eddie Goodman, sister in laws; Terry Niesner (Goodman) and Peggy Goodman.
Visitation was Wednesday, August 24, 2022 at Buresh Funeral Home – Hale and Thursday, August 25, 2022 at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Funeral services followed with Father Anthony Cureton. Internment took place at Esmond Evergreen Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the family of Mary Lu Goodman.
An online registry is available at www.bureshfuneralhomes.com to share condolences and memories of Mary Lu.
