Mary Love

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died September 24, 2025

Mary Kathreen Love, age 80, of Gladstone passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at Lakeview Assisted Living in Gladstone.

Mary was born July 9, 1945 in Detroit, the daughter of Francis and Kathreen (Lasich) Bonifas. She was united in marriage to James Love on September 9, 1972 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Manistique. Mary was a Licensed Practical Nurse who worked at the Manistique Medical Center and also in Battle Creek, Michigan for several years. She also worked for Kmart and Goodwill, was a Board Member for the Gladstone Senior Citizens Center and a member of the Sisters of Steam, a ladies group with the U.P. Steam and Gas Association.

 

Mary was a kind and creative soul. Throughout the years she dabbled in countless different art forms including crochet, sewing, painting, oil pastels, card making, stamping, and scrapbooking. She enjoyed frequenting arts and crafts fairs, both as a vendor and as a patron. In her later years, she both attended and taught art classes at the senior center. She had a deep love for the beauty found in nature, and was never more delighted than when hummingbirds would visit her birdfeeders, or when the does would return to her backyard with their fawns each spring. Her legacy and love of art will live on through her students, her daughters, and her granddaughter, who is frequently known to muse, “You know, I was thinking… maybe we should do a project?”

 

Mary is survived by her husband, James; daughters, Dawn (Dru Kelly) Love of Green Bay and Jacqueline Love of Marquette; grandchildren, Andrew Kelly Jr. and Tiana Kelly; brother, John Bonifas of Manistique; half-brother, Don Hart; sister -in-law, Jean King (Ken Rautiola) of Manistique, and nieces and nephews.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Francis Bonifas, and mother and father-in-law, Dorothy and Jim Love.

 

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of UP Home Health and Hospice, whose diligence and expertise assured as dignified a transition for Mary as possible. Additionally, the family will be forever indebted to the staff of Lakeview Assisted Living, who went above and beyond to make sure Mary was not only cared for and comfortable, but cherished.

 

In keeping with Mary’s wishes, cremation will take place and no services will be held. The family is being assisted by the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to consider donating to the Gladstone Senior Center. If you are so compelled to honor Mary’s memory, go spread a little kindness or make some art!

12 Tributes for “Mary Love”

    I’m so sorry to see Mary’s passing.She was such a sweet person I worked with Mary at Kmart and enjoyed running into her and Jim at the stores afterwards too Thinking of you all Love, Donna (with the long braid)

    Love family,
    I am so sorry to hear this news. Mary was always kind with a smile on her face when we saw her in the neighborhood or out and about. No words can fill the void in your hearts. Cherish you memories and honor her in your beautiful art projects❤️

    So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. What a creative and art filled person. Enjoyed the many bingo nights at the Senior Center with her. Prayers to you, Jim and your family. Rest in peace.

    Dear Jim – My sympathies to you and your family. What fond memories were made with Mary at the Gladstone Senior Center. She was such a sweet person who shared her artistic talents and was so giving of her time with us; and I always enjoyed the conversations with both of you at the lunch tables there. She is truly missed. Love, Bonnie

    Mary was a sweet, kind cousin ,and always willing to help or do something for you.. We were blessed to have her in our family. Our prayers are with Jim, Dawn & family, Jackie,, Jean & Ken. We Love you All!

    So sorry for the Love family loss. RIP Mary.
    Mary sounded like a really awesome, giving ,loving woman.
    I don’t remember ever meeting Mary or Jim.. but I’m sure I must have back in 1969+..
    I’m Karen Kowalski~Love, the 1st of 3 wives married to Monty Lynn Love.(son of Doris & Ralph Love of Palmyra.MI.)
    We had two children Jodee Ann & Alexander Jerome
    God Bless the Love family! Keeping you all in my prayers..
    Karen Love

    Jim and girls, I was sorry to hear of Mary’s passing….. I’ll always remember the fun we had as neighbors in Manistique….. she will be missed by many….. you are in my thoughts & prayers

    Mr. Love, I’m so sorry to hear of Mrs. Love’s passing. She will be so missed. May she rest in peace. Prayers and love to you and your family. Laurel, Herb and Haylee Myers

    When I think of Mary I always remember her big genuine smile when she would see you. Such a wonderful person.
    My condolences to Jim and the family. She was a bright light!

    Jim, so very sorry for your loss. Mary was a special talented lady who was loved by many. Prayers for you and your family. Barbara Denny

    Jim and family,

    So sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. She just had a “change of address”. Heaven’s got another angel.
    Share the memories.

    Every blessing,
    Jane (Sawyer) Spencer

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