Mary Ellen Alanko, age 86, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully on Dec. 31, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
Mary was born August 21, 1933, in Escanaba, the daughter of Clarence and Mary (McCormick) Tardiff. She resided in Gladstone for most of her life and was a 1951 graduate of Gladstone High School. Mary met the love of her life, Charles “Charlie” Alanko, in Gladstone and they were united in marriage on November 20, 1954. Together, they have shared 65 years of wonderful memories. Mary was a devoted parishioner of the All Saints Catholic Church of Gladstone. Mary loved spending time with her grandchildren and attending all of their events. She also enjoyed playing bingo, golfing and playing cards with her lady friends every Tuesday. Mary was a great baker and loved sharing her homemade bread with friends and family. One of the highlights of her day was going to the front window and waving to the neighborhood kids as they got onto the school bus each morning. Mary will be deeply missed by many.
Along with her loving husband Charlie, Mary is survived by:
Sons: Scott (Geri) Alanko and Tracy (Catherine) Alanko
Daughters: Lynn (Mike) Reese, Kathy Macki, Michelle (Rick) Hansen, and Cindy (Dave) Anderson
Brother: Robert (Maureen) Tardiff
Sister: Barbara (Fred) Pfiester
Sisters in law: Joanne Tardiff and Mary Lou (Bruce) Armstrong
Grandchildren: Jennifer (Mark) Lenards, Heather (Mike) Smith, April (Tom) Dahlin, Scott (Jaimie) Reese, Ann (Shayne) Sanville, Jeremy Shope, Joshua Shope, Jeff (Susana) Niles, Nicole (Christian Schweitzer) Niles, Ryan (Arlene) Padilla, Erin Padilla, Rachelle (Adam) Esquibel, Jessica Mackie, Kathleen Alanko, Donnie Alanko, and Tracy Alanko.
Mary is also survived by 18 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Along with her parents, Mary was preceded in death by:
Sisters: Kathleen (Jim) Nedeau, Beverly (Leroy) Maki, Margaret (Donny) Stevenson, Audrey (Francis) Grenier, and Elaine (Dave) Phalen
Brothers: Donald Tardiff, John (Joanne) Tardiff, Richard Tardiff and Raymond Tardiff
Son in law: Chuck (Kathy) Macki
The Alanko family invites friends to join them on Tuesday, Jan. 7th, 2020 at 11:00 AM for a Memorial Mass at the All Saints Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. There will be a luncheon to follow in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to All Saints Church in Mary’s name. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Alanko family.
Christine Grenier - Appleton, WI
Alanko family,
My deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother. She was a great aunt and a wonderful sister to my mother Audrey. Always had a great disposition and a smile on her face! RIP Aunt Mary Ellen.
Christine Grenier
David Anderson - Lake Havasu City, AZ
My Condolences to your family Mary was a great mother in-law with a Beautiful personality my prayers are with you
Patty Young (Stevenson) - Green Bay (formerly Perkins, MI), WI
Dearest Alanko Family,
Know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers as your Mom enters into eternal rest. Us Stevenson Kids spent many hours hanging out at your house, playing records and reading your Tiger Beat magazines on our visits to, or through, Gladstone. Auntie Mary Ellen was always a great hostess and will surely be missed! Keeping her and all of you in my prayers. May the grace of our Lord shine down upon you during this time of loss.
Many blessings,
Patty Young (Stevenson)
Linda Leiter Bush - Ithaca, MI
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. White haired grandma played a very important part of my granddaughters lives, going to their games and special holidays. I know she will be missed by many. My sincere condolences.
Patty Demeuse - Gladstone, Mi
To the Alanko family , So sorry for your loss.Mary will missed .a very sweet lady ! I golfed and enjoyed playing cards with her on Tuesdays Prayers and hugs to all! Patty Demeuse
Dennis and Tonya Tardiff - Gladstone , MI
I will never forget the serious cribbage games and how much fun it was to learn and play with a true winner! Much love, prayers and blessings for the family!
Sincerely,
Dennis and Tonya
Lois A Corcoran - Gladstone, MI
I’m so sorry to hear about your mum, Kathy. May you find comfort in your memories. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Susan Korstange - Kalamazoo , MI
To My Alanko Family,
I have so many fond memories of coming “Up North” in my childhood, visiting my late Grandma, Uncle Charlie, Aunt Mary Ellen, and my cousins. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Mary Ellen will be loved and missed by so many.
Susie Korstange
Mary Armstrong - COLORADO SPRINGS, CO
My thoughts and prayers go out to all the Alanko family, especially my brother, in the loss of his soul mate. To God be the glory for the long and full life she got to live. I honor Mary Ellen who was more like a sister to me, than a sister-in-law. She showed a great example in ending life well by trusting God Our Father with her health, her family, and that He would take her to Him self exactly when He chose and she was okay with that. It has been my privilege to be part of the Alanko family and getting to see Lynn, Kathy, Michele, Cindy, Scott, and Tracey in those baby to teen years. God bless you all.