Mary Fishwick

Mary Louise Fishwick, 65, of Grosse Pointe Woods, passed into eternity peacefully on November 9, 2021, with her loving family at her side. Mary fought stage IV breast cancer bravely and relentlessly for five years, remaining prayerful and hopeful — and impossibly strong, even during her final moments. Mary was born to Adele (nee Wójcik) and James Fogarty on May 26, 1956, in Detroit and grew up happily in Royal Oak, the second of three children. She attended Guardian Angels Catholic School, Royal Oak High School, and Madonna University, studying children’s literature and English composition. Mary wed her devoted husband Wesley Fishwick in 1994. Her living family includes Wesley, their children Brooks Hoste (Matthew Guinta); Emily Yandura (Jeffrey); Nathan Hoste (Emily); Leah Fishwick; William Fishwick; and she was the adoring grandmother of Oliver and Maxwell. She is also survived by her younger brother, David Fogarty (Linda). Mary was predeceased by her parents and older brother, Jim Fogarty. Multi-talented, creative, and entrepreneurial, Mary founded several businesses, including Heaven Sent Originals, which offered bespoke Christening gowns, each individually handmade by Mary, who was an exceptional seamstress. This led to a small shop within Cherubs in the Attic, an independent artists’ market, and was followed by Mary’s largest venture, Duets Gallery, Gifts, and Gourmet in Utica. Duets was a unique shop bursting with original artwork, consignment antiques, gourmet coffees, food items, home décor, and all manner of treasures. Mary oversaw every aspect of the business for more than two years before selling her stake to a business partner. After moving on from Duets, Mary invested in her education, pursuing her degree at Madonna University. Her passion for education, history, and the written word would ultimately lead to her career in museum administration at the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores. Mary was a key leader in the institution, researching, writing, training, and directing docent tours for adults and children alike. She was always excited to tell her family and friends whatever new and fascinating stories she had uncovered about the Ford family and their estate, and involved her family in many Ford House activities. Her professional accomplishments aside, Mary was perhaps most proud of her family. Her children, their spouses, and her grandchildren were truly the light of her life — and as the family grew, Sunday dinners became all the more joyful and memorable. She had a knack for making birthdays and holidays incredibly special; even when she warned her children that they would have “a smaller Christmas this year,” the room would end up overflowing with beautifully wrapped gifts. She wanted those she loved to have everything they could ever desire. Mary was spiritual and faithful, believing deeply in the healing power of prayer. Even amidst multiple and increasingly complex challenges with cancer and its treatment, Mary never let go of her faith. She and her family believe that she was the recipient of a healing miracle during an extraordinary experience at the Solanus Casey Center in Detroit. Mary’s family will host a Memorial Gathering at Wm. Sullivan Funeral Home on Sunday, November 14, from 2:00–7:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at 7:00 pm on Monday, November 15, at the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul in Detroit. In remembrance of Mary’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Solanus Casey Center at https://www.solanuscenter.org

Mary Fishwick

May 26, 1956 - November 9, 2021