Mary Ake, 95

Mary Weichsel Ake loved her family, her community, and her books. She relished the gift of longevity and lived with determination to age 95 years 8 months. She passed away on Friday, Nov. 14, in the care of Immanuel Living in Kalispell.

Mary was a much-loved matriarch. She is survived by her children, J. David (Kelly) and Katherine Mary (John), granddaughters, Serena (Kelli) and Gabrielle, and great-granddaughter, Harper. She was an aunt and friend to many.  

Mary held a master’s degree in library science from Carnegie Mellon University and served for many years as a children's librarian at Littleton, Colorado, public schools. She was on the committee that formed what is now Arapahoe Community College and was a founding member of the South Metro branch of the American Association of University Women. She established the Phoenix Award, given by the Children’s Literature Association, for children's books published at least 20 years prior, deemed worthy of special attention. Mary was an avid reader of the Sherlock Holmes collection and enjoyed long road trips and overseas travel.

Born in 1930 in East Chicago, Indiana, and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, by her parents, William Henry Weichsel and Elsbeth Lenehan Weichsel. Her brothers were William and Richard. She had been married to the late John W. Ake for 26 years. After his military service, they lived in Fullerton, California, and Littleton, Colorado. In 2017, Mary moved to Kalispell to be near her daughter. She spent her final days surrounded by her son and daughter.

A memorial service will be held for her friends and family in Kalispell, Saturday, Nov. 22 at 11 a.m. at Buffalo Hill Terrace, 40 Claremont St, Kalispell.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.