"No one had a bigger heart than Chris nor loved Big Shag Lake more. Being her neighbor and friend was truly an honor. Tom, know she loved you more than life. May the family know that she touched many lives outside of you and that says volumes of who she is. God speed."
In loving memory of
M. CHRISTINE NILES
July 30, 1937 - February 6, 2020
M. Christine Niles, 82, of Marquette, passed away Thursday morning, February 6, 2020 at the Norlite Nursing Center.
Chris was born on July 30, 1937 in Negaunee, daughter of the late Alphonse and Edna (Thomas) Gingras and was a 1955 graduate of Graveraet High School.
In 1973 she started Mister Donut in Marquette along with Margaret Redman. Later, her husband Tom joined in the business and eventually they owned and operated eight Mister Donut locations in four states. In her later years, Chris was a cook for the former Page Bible Camp, Camp New Day and St. Pauls Episcopal Church functions.
During her retirement, Chris enjoyed RVing across the country with Tom and spending time at their home on Big Shag Lake, where she hosted fabulous Holiday celebrations for her family. She was a member of St. Pauls Episcopal Church.
Chris is survived by her husband of 64 years, Thomas Niles of Marquette who she married on September 17, 1955 at St. Pauls Episcopal Church; three daughters, Laurie (Jeff) Bero of Marquette, Kathryn (Ron) Becklund of Appleton, WI, and Susan (Paul) Pentecost of Monticello, MN; five grandsons, Christopher (Jennifer) Bero of Fountain Valley, CA, Matthew (Shannon) Bero of Negaunee, James Pentecost of Marquette, Niles Pentecost of Anaheim, CA, and Steven Becklund of Little Chute, WI; six great grandchildren, McKayla, Morgan, Jacob, Joseph, Caleb and Madison; also two great, great grandchildren, Aria and Ryan.
A memorial service will take place on Wednesday, February 12th at 1 p.m. in St. Pauls Episcopal Church with Robert Railey officiating. The Niles family will greet relatives and friends beginning at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Morgan Chapel prior to the service. Burial will take place in the Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Pauls Episcopal Church, 201 E. Ridge St., Marquette, MI 49855 or to a charity of your choice in Chriss memory. The family would like to thank the staff at Norlite Nursing Center for the wonderful care she received while there.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the Niles family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"Dear Kathy and family, We send our deepest sympathies to you and your family at this difficult time. Not sure if I can make the service tomorrow I will try, if not please know you will be in my thoughts and prayers. You have a guardian angel watching over you and protect you. R.I.P Mrs. Niles Hugs to you. Thoughts and prayers with you all. Love-Dee, Greg and Mathew Adams"
"Extending to you and your family this heartfelt assurance of deep sympathy, Marquette Area Public Schools Board of Education and Employees"
"To the family of Christine Niles, please accept my condolences for the loss of your loved one. I have lost loved ones too, and know the pain this causes. The Bible has helped me to cope: Psalms 34:18 says God is close to the brokenhearted; John 11:23-25 promises a resurrection. I hope this comforts you."
"Bob and I would like to express our condolences for your loss. May god's love & peace be with you all... Nita & Robert Thomas"
"I extend my prayers and sympathy to all of the family and friends of Chris Niles. May God's love and peace will be with all of you, and may Chris rest in the arms of our Lord! I am so sorry for your loss. (Maryalice Boone)"
"We will really miss chris one thing for sure she loved her family her eyes would light up when she talked about you girls praying for you all stay strong barb Lloyd larson"
"I was extremely fortunate to have shared many camp and church memories with this incredible person. What a wonderful woman and human being who showed so much compassion and warmth to those around her. I will miss her wonderful demeanor and genuineness of heart. Such a gentle soul who will be missed by so many. We love you Chris. Bless your new journey."
"My path crossed with Chris at the Page Center. I knew then she was a person I would never forget. Goodness and warm drew you in to her hug. My sympathies for her family"
"Tom, Laurie, Kathy & Susan - Please accept our condolences in the loss of your wife & mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Deb (Luke) & Jim Diedrich"
"Laurie,Jeff and family, We were all taken by surprise by your mother's passing. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this time of loss. Chris has been and will be prayed for by your Parish family. May you all be peace. Dcn Tom and Cindy"
"Tom and family, I am sorry to hear that Chris has passed. I will always remember her kindness in spirit. May that bring you some comfort."