Merna H. Mackenzie Obituary (1934

Merna Mackenzie, age 91, of Portage, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Heritage House in Portage. Merna was born on October 15, 1934, to Harry and Omadell Wagner. She grew up in Fowlerville, Michigan, where she graduated from Fowlerville High School. On August 22, 1958, she married the love of her life, Virgil Mackenzie, in Fowlerville, Michigan. Throughout her working years, Merna was employed as a jeweler's assistant and later worked as a school cook, where she enjoyed serving others. Merna found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved tending to her garden, spending time reading, taking trips with her sisters, and doting on her beloved little dog, Ernie. She is survived by her daughter Debra Mackenzie and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Virgil; siblings Lorene Morgan, Phillys Lillard, James Wagner, Joan Steel, Patricia Bowers, John Wagner, Wanda Rathbun and Carolyn Young. A special thank you to the staff at Heritage House in Portage for their compassionate care of Merna, Portage EMS, and Grasse Funeral Service. Memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society in honor of Merna. A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, August 5, 2026 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at Grasse Funeral Home in Pardeeville.