Mary F. McDaniel

Mary Frances (Caruso) McDaniel proudly known as “Nana” sadly passed away Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024 at her daughter’s home. She was 93. She was born on December 6, 1930 in Bangor, Maine to Francis E. Caruso and Mable (Spratt) Caruso. She left Maine and ventured off to Carlsbad, New Mexico when she was 22 with her dear friend LaVita. It was there that she met the love of her life, Raymond McDaniel. After just 3 months of romance they were married on March 5, 1953. Raymond worker for Shell Oil Company and moved all over the south in 28 different towns wherever the oil booms were hitting. They raised 3 daughters, Frances, Debra and Rhonda and buried an infant daughter Michelle in 1961 in Sherman, Texas. Mary was a housewife, member of the Shell wives club, Girl Scout leader and volunteer at the Kings Daughter’s Hospital in Terrell, Texas. They later retired in Cadillac, Michigan and she became the famous Nana to all her grandchildren and their friends and neighbors. Survivors include her daughters: Frances (Craig) Carney, Debra (Alan) Benson, and Rhonda (Gary) Lung; 8 grandchildren: Shelli Richardson, Adrian (Michael) Harvey, Janet (Dan) Howes, Jason (Emily) Benson, Jodie (William) Musta, Christopher (Rikki) Lung, Kimberly (Brian) Dawson, Corey Lung; 22 great grandchildren: Andrew, Alix, Sabre, Elena, Madison, Morgan, Greyson, Jacob, Grace H., Jase, Brynlee, Waylon, Layn, Chloie, Carissa, Caleb, Cianna, Tyler, Ellie, Corbin, Grace D., and Harper; 10 great-great grandchildren: Marley, Sabre, Jr., and TraeLynn, Kyrae, Sir Ashton, Scarlet Reign, Keilee, Cole, Jaylee and Messiah; her sister, Suzanne Tippin and sisters-in-law, Betty Lancaster and Peggy Walker. In addition to her parents and step-mother she was preceded in death by her daughter, Michelle McDaniel, her granddaughter, Heather Carney and great grandson, Sabre Carney; her brothers: Sonny Caruso, Phillip Keegan, Charlie Keegan; sisters: Gloria Caruso, Patricia Keegan, and Rosalie Keegan and her fur baby, Daisy. The family would like to express their appreciation to Hospice of Michigan for their tender care during Mary’s last days. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, April 4, 2024 at Peterson Funeral & Cremation Services in Cadillac with Pastor Dave McMahon officiating. Burial will be at Lucas Cemetery in Missaukee County. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5-7 PM at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan or to the American Cancer Society. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Mary F. McDaniel

December 6, 1930 - March 31, 2024