Marie C. ‘Mickey’ Purdy, 88, died at 6 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2009 at her daughter’s home following a brief illness.

She was born Marie Carolyn Gherardi on Jan. 15, 1921 in Mishawaka to Orfeo and Lodovicki “Lora” De Voto Gherardi. She graduated from Mishawaka High School and moved to Niles in 1948. She moved to Chicago in 1980.

On July 24, 1946 in Mishawaka, she married John M. “Jack” Purdy, who died Aug. 9, 1977.
Marie owned and operated Upholstery in Niles and was a bank teller in Chicago. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Niles. She was formerly active in sorority, bowling and bridge. Her greatest interest was ballroom dancing.

She is survived by a daughter, Patricia Purdy of Niles; son, James (Cheryl) Purdy of Chicago; and nephew, George Gherardi Jr. of South Bend.

There will be no services or visitation.

Arrangements were made by Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.