Lucy Ann Couturier, neé Mericle, age 81, of Traverse City, Michigan passed away on Monday, June 26th, 2023. Lucy died peacefully in her sleep just before dawn, after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Lucy was born the second of three children (Dos) to Clifford "Dale" D. Mericle and Rebecca A. Mericle, neé Stutsman, in Detroit, Michigan. Lucy traveled abroad and then attended Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, where she earned B.A. in Liberal Arts.

Lucy loved horses her whole life- she always wanted to be a cowboy (NOT a cowgirl). When she turned 40, she finally got a Quarter Horse named Missy. The two of them spent many fine years together before Missy passed away of old age in the late 90s.

Lucy enjoyed gardening, nature, hiking and especially reading- she read thousands of books throughout her life and was an avid supporter of the Traverse City Public Library.

Lucy is survived by her two sons; Mark B. Reitman and Devon C. Newman (Zach and Kaiya). She is survived by her sister, Gay [George] Rosenwald, neé Mericle, Julie [Steve] Hathaway, neé Rosenwald, (Joey, Lena and Daniel Hathaway), Eva [Christopher] Taylor, neé Rosenwald (Henry and Ruby Taylor). Chris [Patricia] Mericle, Kirsten [Troy] Keith, neé Mericle (Toran and Dylan Keith), Amy Mericle, Chris "Buzz" Mericle (Chris "Boomer" and Mya) and Joanna [Michael] Mandeville, nee' Mericle (Madeleine and Ramona Mandeville).

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 39 years, Frederick "Fred" J. Couturier.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Bay Ridge Assisted Living and to Hospice of Northern Michigan for their thoughtful and compassionate care for Lucy.

Future services will be announced accordingly. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, please consider a donation to your favorite Alzheimer's charity.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Lucy's family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .