Mary C. Fox, 70, of Elkhart, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at her residence. She was born in South Bend, IN to the late William McMillen and Jacqueline (Doetsch) Smith.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, James “Jim” Earl Fox. Mary is survived by her children, William (Catherine Johnson) Fox and James E. Fox Jr.; sisters, Elizabeth Rose; and a host of nieces, nephews, as well as many great nieces and nephews who all loved their Aunt Mary dearly.

Cremation was chosen and will take place at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart. A private family celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Mary was a kind soul with a big heart. She always put the needs of others before her own. In her early years, she worked as a manager at a local video store, Quick Video and later took up housekeeping for a local hotel. Her greatest accomplishment was earning her GED by graduating from high school at 50 years old. Mary was very intelligent and could have made it big on Jeopardy (she knew just about every answer, including the daily double).

Mary had never met a stranger and was a talented bowler on the Eagles Bowling League in South Bend, IN. She and her family frequented the Fraternal Order of the Eagles lounge and would play multiple rounds of BINGO. Mary enjoyed playing cards with her family as well and she could play a mean game of Euchre and Canasta. In her spare time, she would help her friend rescue stray dogs and find them forever homes. Mary loved animals and her caring heart led her to adopt her pet turtle, Baxter. Aunt Mary will be dearly missed by her loving family and by all those whose hearts she touched during her life.