Mary Patricia (Ekovich) McLean

Mary Patricia McLean, passed away at home on February 19, 2025, at the age of 68, in Rolling Prairie, Indiana.

Born on December 8, 1956, in La Porte, Indiana, she was the cherished daughter of the late Joseph and Phyllis (Moon) Ekovich.

On April 18, 1990, Mary united in marriage with Rodrick McLean Jr., with whom she shared a life of love and partnership until his passing on March 29, 2023.

Mary embraced her role in the family, welcoming step son Robert (Tracy) McLean of Michigan City, step daughter Angela (Donald) Kaczmarek, foster children Amanda and Miranda Moore, step grandchildren Tommy and Chad Kaczmarek, Crystal Ramirez, several step great grandchildren and step great-great grandchildren. Mary was the beloved sister to Peggy (George) Gresiowski of Rolling Prairie, Barb (Mike) Berby of La Porte, Mike (Pam) Ekovich of Rolling Prairie, Joe (Judy) Ekovich of South Carolina, and Tom (Cindy) Ekovich of Lansing, Michigan. She also held a special place in the hearts of her in-laws, Judy (Ray) Safirt of Michigan City, Debbie (Dan) Goodaker of La Porte, Jimmy (Louise) McLean of Stevensville, Michigan, Gerald (Brenda) McLean of Benton Harbor, Michigan; and her mother-in-law, Lucille McLean.

Her life was further enriched by the love of several nieces and nephews. Her brother Paul Allen Gropp, in-laws James McLean, Tony McLean, Teddy McLean, Sarah Parsley and step children Angela (Donald) Kaczmarek, Anita Carol McLean, and Larry McLean, preceded her in death, leaving memories that she cherished deeply.

Mary and her beloved Rodrick were the proud owners of Lakeshore Wholesale in Michigan City, La Porte, and Valparaiso, as well as McLean Auction Service. Together, they built a legacy of hard work and dedication that served their communities well.

A woman of many talents and interests, Mary appreciated the simple pleasures of farm life, later owning several animals on their farm. Her love for animals extended to her cherished cats, hand chosen from the barn as kittens. Mary and Rod hosted many parties and reunions on the farm, memories that will forever be cherished by those who attended.

Her generosity throughout the years will forever be remembered by those who knew her. Mary's love for tanning was matched by her passion for children. She was a jack of all trades. Her strong-willed and stubborn nature ensured that she lived a full life, where family was the cornerstone of her existence.

Visitation for Mary will be held from 10 AM to 12 noon on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana. Funeral services will follow the visitation at 12 noon in the funeral home.

Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Mary’s life or leave a message of comfort for her family, please visit esslingfuneralhome.com.

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