Mary Beth Wilmes (Byykkonen)

life story

A loving mother with a creative soul and a green thumb

About Mary

Mary Beth Byykkonen Wilmes was born on March 6th 1970 to Roy and Shirley Byykkonen. She passed away peacefully at home with her family on February 16th 2021 after a 14 month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mary was deeply loved by her boyfriend of over 10 years (Matt Stuke), her children (James, Steven, Holly and Jacob) and many other people who had the opportunity to know her, including her siblings and friends. She was always working on various art projects, from painting to oil pastels to simply doodling in a journal. She tended to her many houseplants with love and care and gave plants away to anyone who would take one. She loved to sit on the deck on summer mornings drinking coffee and watching the birds on the bird feeder. She was a true yooper who loved saunas, camping, and picking rocks from lake superior. She was honest, to herself and to those around her, and had the ability to accept situations and people for exactly what or who they were. She was resilient in the face of hardship and was able to maintain a positive and upbeat attitude even during difficult times.

Mary was an extraordinary mother who taught her children to be kind, loving, and honest. She encouraged her children to be themselves and reminded them often that she was proud of them. She was a source of unconditional love for her children and for others.

memorial service

Mary Wilmes Celebration of Life

We will be holding a celebration of life ceremony for Mary this spring/summer at the family campsite in the UP. The date and time is yet to be determined.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services