Mary Jane Tanner

Mary Jane Tanner, age 86, of Howell, Michigan, passed away on April 30, 2025. 

Mary was born on November 26, 1938 to Stanley and Minnie Lesiak in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating from Lakeview High School in Chicago, Mary worked in a law firm in downtown Chicago along with her sister, Jean. She married in 1958 and moved to Livonia, Michigan where she raised her three children, Ted, Steve and Chris. She later returned to the workforce as a legal secretary for two different law firms in Michigan.

On July 7, 1979, she married Dennis Tanner. Mary and Denny continued to live in Livonia Michigan until 1983 when they moved to Tupelo, Mississippi. While in Tupelo, Mary worked for Delta International Machinery Corporation as an executive assistant. After retiring in 1997, Mary and Denny returned to Michigan, making their home in Howell.

While living in Howell, Mary and Denny were active members of the First Presbyterian Church in Brighton. Mary served as an elder, and both Mary and Denny were part of the church choir. A highlight of their time with the choir was a trip to Scotland. Mary also served in the food pantry and enjoyed spending time making lap quilts with the Sew and So group from their church.

 Mary and Denny also enjoyed traveling. They honeymooned in Hawaii, traveled to Alaska, and toured much of Europe. Mary had a heart for animals, she collected bunny figurines, and loved her pet beagles Judy and Molly. In her later years, visits from grand dogs Abby and Sebastien brightened her days. Mary also enjoyed baking and sewing with her grandchildren.

She is survived by her loving sisters Jean Schild and Bonnie Sutton, her beloved sons Ted Mallires (Stephanie), Steve Mallires (Barb), Chris Mallires (Joan), her cherished grand children Kyle Mallires, Grant Mallires (Kayla), Garrett Mallires, Samantha Wiener (Justin), Grace Mallires, Kevin Mallires and great grandson, Max Mallires, as well as her nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her husband Denny, and her sister Carol Nauta.

Mary will be remembered for her kindness and generosity. She always put family first, but consistently found time to volunteer and help others. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend to all she met, having earned the nickname "Sweet Mary" during her time at Aspen Assisted Living. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.The family is planning to gather privately to celebrate her life.