Margaret “Eloise” (Massey) McGeorge

Eloise McGeorge, 86, of Boyne Falls, Michigan, passed away on April 9, 2024, in Petoskey, Michigan. She was born Margaret Eloise Massey on November 10, 1937, in Boyne Valley Township, Michigan. Eloise was a proud resident of Boyne Falls, where she was born and raised. In 1965, Eloise and her beloved husband, Bob, moved to Williamston, Michigan, where she lived until 2004. She returned to Boyne Falls over 20 years ago and was again an active member of the community she loved. Eloise was a special grandmother who enjoyed family visits and made them extra sweet with her amazing chocolate chip cookies. A sweets lover, she was also well-known for her delicious apple pies.

Eloise was a dedicated mother to Karen (Doug) Kult and Robert (Amy) McGeorge, a much-loved grandmother to Riley Kult, Mackenzie Kult, Kellen McGeorge, and Kendall McGeorge, and a very proud great-grandmother to Samantha Kult and Liam Kult. She is survived by her brothers Alan "Zeke" (Gissele) Massey, John Massey, Leon (Kathy) Massey, brother-in-law Claude (Marilyn) McGeorge, sister-in-law Ruth (Gene) Hayden, sister-in-law Lois (John) Lewis, and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews in both the Massey and McGeorge families. Eloise was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Robert E. McGeorge, whom she adored, her parents Beulah and Marion Massey, her sisters Peggy and Lila (Jay) Kelso, brothers George Massey and William (Ellen) Massey, brothers-in-law Cliff (Helen) McGeorge, John (Carol) McGeorge, and Norm (Sally) McGeorge, and sister-in-law Ramona McGeorge.

In her early years, Eloise worked at Boyne Mountain where she once had to take a huge container of chili up the ski lift to the Eagle’s Nest restaurant and convinced the resort’s owner to take it for her to avoid disastrous results.  She later spent many years working at Fate's Pharmacy  in Williamston where she enjoyed her time and cherished her co-workers. She attended Boyne Falls Elementary School and graduated from Boyne Falls High School with many friends who she loved seeing at school reunions. Eloise attended Boyne Falls United Methodist Church, where she was baptized, and was a long-time member of Crossroads United Methodist Church in Williamston.

Eloise had a passion for knitting, crocheting, sewing, bowling, and traveling. She made beautiful afghans for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in colors chosen just for each of them. She and her husband, Bob, had beautiful gardens at their homes in Williamston and Boyne Falls and Eloise loved tending her flowers and caring for the birds living in her gardens. Eloise enjoyed traveling with Bob and cherished their adventures together, especially their cross-country driving trip filled with great memories. She also loved spending time with friends and her local senior groups, as well as visiting her children and grandchildren in Florida and Arizona. Eloise was a committed volunteer at the Boyne Valley Food Pantry where she served regularly up to the week prior to her death. She proudly volunteered at the Boyne Falls Polish Festival and enjoyed working on historical preservation of her hometown. Eloise regularly supported her nieces’ and nephews’ fundraising efforts to ensure that they could travel to a variety of destinations with the Boyne-area school districts. She served as an election volunteer in both Williamston and Boyne Falls, supporting almost every election including the recent primary a few weeks prior to her death.

Eloise was able to remain in her home independently because of the extraordinary support and kindness afforded to her by her Boyne Falls family.  You know who you are and we are forever grateful.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 20, at 11 am at Stackus Funeral Home in Boyne City, Michigan. The family will welcome visitors prior to the service beginning at 10am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boyne Valley Food Pantry, 3031 Main St. Boyne Falls, Michigan 49713.

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