Mary Therese (FitzGerald) Boldt

Mary Therese (FitzGerald) Boldt

October 28, 1927 – March 10, 2026

Mary Therese (FitzGerald) Boldt, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on March 10, 2026, at the age of 98.

Born on October 28, 1927, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Joseph and Helen Grace FitzGerald, Mary was the second of seven children. She grew up in a close-knit family and attended St. Mary of Redford Catholic School. Her deep faith and devotion to family guided her throughout her life.

In 1956, Mary and her husband, Herb, made their home in Livonia, Michigan, where they raised their eight children. She was an active member of St. Michael’s Parish and participated in the Women’s Guild, generously giving her time and talents to support her church and community. Mary also served as a precinct judge during many elections in the 1970s and 1980s—a role she cherished for the sense of civic duty it provided and the opportunity to connect with her neighbors.

In 1992, following Herb’s retirement from The Detroit News, Mary and Herb moved to East Tawas, Michigan. They embraced the slower pace of life and the small-town charm of their new community. Mary became active in a local book club and volunteered at St. Joseph’s Hospital, where she shared her time and compassion with patients and staff alike. Together, she and Herb also volunteered to deliver Holy Communion to homebound neighbors, sharing their faith and care with others.

For more than 15 years, Mary made her home at American House in Taylor, Michigan, where she was loved by both staff and fellow residents. Her friendly nature and bright smile made her a familiar and welcome presence throughout the community.

Mary was preceded in death by her loving husband, Herb; her eldest daughter, Ellen (Ron) Wilder; her eldest grandson, Timothy Boldt; and her siblings: Joseph (Dorothy) FitzGerald, William (Annie) FitzGerald, Joan (Bob) FitzGerald, Helen (Paul) Chuba, Ann (Ralph) Ziegler, and Rosemary (Richard) Llewellen.

She is survived by her children: Mike (Peg) Boldt, John (Peggy) Boldt, Sue (Rob) Zavicar, Jim (Liz) Boldt, Laura (Pete) Huben, Nancy (Joe) Bagazinski, and Julia (Michael) FitzGerald, as well as more than two dozen grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews who will carry forward her legacy of kindness, faith, and family.

A service to remember and celebrate Mary’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Angela Hospice of Livonia, Michigan, at https://angelahospice.org/give/.