Mary C. (Ferguson) Brockie

On August 12, 2023, Mary C. Brockie of Mishawaka stepped from earth to her heavenly home to spend eternity with her Lord and Savior and many family members and friends. Born Mary Cuthbert Ferguson on August 19, 1922, in Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland to Robert and Mary (Smart) Ferguson.

She was preceded by her husband of 60 years, Lewis E. Brockie (originally of Wishaw, North Lanarkshire, Scotland) then Mishawaka, a daughter, Mary Louise Brockie White, parents Robert & Mary Ferguson, brothers Robert, Neil, and Alex Ferguson, a sister Margaret and a grandson, Kenneth Lynn Woodruff.

Mary is survived by her two other children, daughter Norma (William) Woodruff of Mishawaka and son Dr. Ian (Sheri) Brockie of High Ridge, MO, as well as five grandchildren; Rev. Dr. William (Amanda) Woodruff III, Brandon (Susan) Woodruff, Betty White, Rob (Christina) White, and Ken (Angie) White, as well as 13 great grandchildren, her caregiver and friend, Pam, and many nieces and nephews here and abroad.

To say that Mary lived a full life is quite an understatement. She got the chance AT life more than once. Being a sickly child, she was not expected to live past the age of 13. After recovering from the temporary loss of the use of her hands, Mary taught herself how to knit, AGAIN. Living in Edinburgh, Scotland, she experienced many respiratory issues which hospitalized her on more than one occasion; however, Mary graduated high school at the age of 14 and attained the status of Dux Girl, or “top pupil” in 1934 at the age of 12. Mary grew up to take a job as a salesclerk in a local dress shop working her way up to a buyer for a large “Notions” (art and needlework) department. By the time World War 2 commenced, Mary had changed occupations to the National Fire Service as a Dispatcher and was on the job on June 6, 1944, better known as D-Day.

Mary became pen pals with Lewis Brockie in 1945 when her brother Alex, who was in the same British Army Regiment, gave him permission to write her. They finally met in 1947 and began their courtship. In 1949, Lewis sailed to the United States to obtain a job and then in 1950 he wrote and asked Mary to join him and become his wife. She sailed in April of that year, and they were married April 22, 1950, in the Chapel at First Methodist Church in South Bend, Indiana, until his passing in 2010.

Mary has been an active member of Mishawaka East United Methodist Church since her arrival in the United States and the Mishawaka area. Mary’s love was always for her family, and she loved to bake – she was famous for her apple-raisin pie. She was known as Grandma Brockie to many.

Mary loved God first and never missed a chance to pray for people or drop them a card to tell them how much she cared for them. We love you, Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Auntie, friend, and neighbor.

Any contributions may be made to East United Methodist Church, 1621 E. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544 or Real Services Attn: Meals on Wheels, 1151 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, IN 46601

Mary’s visitation will be held at Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home on Thursday, August 17, 2023, from 1:00-3:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm and 1 hour prior to the funeral service at Wells and Cruz Family Funeral Home on Friday, August 18, 2023, at 11:00 am. Entombment will be held privately at a later date.

A livestream of her funeral service will begin at 10:50 am Eastern Standard Time and may be viewed in real time in the video window below.  Following the service, the video will remain online for others to view.