Mary, of Northville, passed into eternal life Thursday afternoon, September 17, 2026, at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, following a courageous struggle with serious health complications.  She was 63 years old.

Mary was born March 19, 1963, in Detroit, the youngest of eight children born to the late Joseph and Corinne Brauer. Her early years were spent near Livernois and Ewald Circle, in St. Brigid Parish, where the family's large, rambling home was often filled with grandparents, siblings, nieces, nephews and extended family. They later moved to Dearborn, where that same lively household continued. With many relatives often sharing a home, there was always someone nearby—and Mary quickly learned that a big personality was one way to stand out in a big family.

From childhood, Mary possessed a vibrant spirit and a natural flair for being the center of attention. Family members fondly remembered that when her oldest sister married, young Mary attended the wedding but was deemed a little too spirited to serve as the flower girl. Even then, Mary was unmistakably Mary—energetic, outgoing, and always ready to add something memorable to the occasion.

Mary graduated from Edsel Ford High School in 1981. She began her working life at the Hallmark store near Telegraph and Joy roads before embarking upon a remarkable career with Farmers Insurance. For more than 35 years, Mary worked in the company's property division and became the trusted "mother hen" and unofficial matriarch of her office. Highly capable and respected, she was the person coworkers and supervisors relied upon to keep things running smoothly, make decisions, solve problems, and ensure the work was completed properly. Mary brought the same confidence and unmistakable personality to her professional life that she brought to everything else.

It was through one of Mary's former Hallmark coworkers that she met the love of her life, Logan, at a party on February 9, 1986. From that evening forward, they were rarely apart. Mary and Logan were married on October 13, 1990, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Detroit. Her brother, Reverend Fr. Mark Brauer, who was still completing his seminary formation at the time, participated extensively in their wedding liturgy. Together, Mary and Logan built a marriage filled with devotion, companionship, laughter and enduring love.

Mary retired from Farmers Insurance in 2022 when her office closed. She and Logan looked forward to sharing their retirement years, but soon afterward her health began to decline. Over the next several years, Mary endured repeated hospitalizations as both her liver and kidneys gradually failed. Despite those challenges, she remained hopeful and determined.

In April 2026, Mary qualified for consideration for a combined liver and kidney transplant. She embraced the opportunity with gratitude and optimism, willingly accepting the sacrifices that would be required. She dreamed of regaining her strength and finally being able to enjoy retirement more fully with Logan. After nearly a month in the hospital, Mary received her new liver on September 2 and her new kidney on September 3. Tragically, despite the extraordinary efforts of her physicians, nurses, and the entire Surgical Intensive Care Unit team at Henry Ford Hospital, complications involving infection and multiple organs became more than her body could overcome.

Even throughout her illness, Mary remained concerned about those she loved. She would gather her strength to speak with family members, never wanting to shorten a conversation or allow them to hear how exhausted she truly was. Only after saying goodbye would she relax into her chair and allow herself to rest. That quiet effort revealed the depth of Mary's love: even when she was struggling, she wanted others to feel comforted, valued, and cared for.

Mary was vibrant, outgoing, energetic, and intensely loving. She enjoyed people more than anything and was happiest when talking with family, attending gatherings and offering her thoughts on nearly every subject. Affectionately nicknamed "Miss Suggestatory," Mary was always prepared with advice—whether it had been requested or not—and she was equally interested in learning whether it had been followed. If someone went out for dinner, Mary wanted to know what they ordered, why they selected it and what she might have chosen differently. Her questions, opinions and playful judgments were all part of the lively and loving way she remained involved in the lives of others.

Mary loved gardening and took particular pride in growing tomatoes. She enjoyed watching television, spending time at home and keeping in close contact with those she loved. Missing family weddings and celebrations as her health declined was especially difficult because being surrounded by people brought her such happiness.

Mary also had a lifelong love for dogs—particularly large, energetic, and affectionate ones. When Logan married Mary, he also gained her beloved dog, Whiskey, who quickly became his companion as well. Over the years, they shared their home with Brandy and later Duncan, each of whom lived a long and deeply loved life.

Mary gave herself generously to her family, friends and coworkers. She loved deeply, cared intensely, and made her presence known wherever she went. Her warmth, energy, opinions, humor and unmistakable voice will be profoundly missed.

Mary is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 36 years, Logan; siblings, Corinne (Andy) Biggs, Janice (Wayne) Frelitz, David Brauer and Reverend Fr. Mark Brauer; nieces and nephews, Corinne and Michelle Biggs, Nicole Cadotte, Grace and Lily Brauer, Lauren (Jeff) Goetz and Stephanie (Ed) Ganley; great-nieces and great-nephews, Samantha (Matt) Gilson, Allison and Ryan Cadotte, and Jeffrey and Ryan Goetz; mother-in-law, Betty (the late William) Orr; sister-in-law, Michelle Costello-Platt; brother-in-law, Mark Orr; and many extended family members, former coworkers and dear friends.

In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her brothers, Daniel Brauer in 2006, Gary Brauer in 2017, and Joseph Brauer in 2020; and her cherished dogs, Whiskey, Brandy, and Duncan.

Family and friends may gather for visitation at the Heeney-Sundquist Funeral Home in downtown Farmington on Thursday, September 24th, from 3-8 pm.  A scripture service will be prayed at 7:00 pm.

Mary's funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday morning, September 25th, at 10:00 am, (gathering from 9:30 am) at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 23615 Power Road, Farmington.  Rev. Fr. Mark Brauer will celebrate Mass.

Private interment will take place at Glen Eden Memorial Park, Livonia.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes are kindly suggested to Michigan Humane .

Mary faced her final journey with hope, courage, and faith. Although the future she and Logan envisioned was not to be, the love they shared—and the love Mary gave so freely to others—will endure.

Love and Godspeed, Mary.

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