Mary L. “Koko” LaFond

Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died March 1, 2019

Mary L. “Koko” LaFond, age 88, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, March 1, 2019 at the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba.

Koko was born December 8, 1930, in Gladstone, MI, the daughter of Albert and Margaret (Rabitoy) Bratonia. She attended Gladstone Area Schools. She was united in marriage to Jack LaFond October 7, 1950. In Gladstone they raised their 3 children. They traveled extensively together around the world. Their highlight was celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary in Hawaii. They wintered in Biloxi, MS with many friends for many years.

Koko was a member of All Saints Catholic Church. She enjoyed volunteering to make pasties, and was a member of the Gladstone Golf Club. She loved baking, going to the casino, sending cards, and visiting Grandchildren.

Koko is survived by:
2 Daughters: Kristen (Dennis) Nelsen of Humble, TX
Jackie (Terry) Mott of Orange Park, FL
Brother: Dennis Bratonia of Gladstone, MI
Sister: Alberta “Abie” (James “Red”) LaLonde of Gladstone, MI
12 Grandchildren
11 Great Grandchildren
And numerous Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins

In addition to Koko’s Parents and Husband, she is preceded in death by:
Son: Mark LaFond
Brothers: Jim and Francis Bratonia

Family will receive friends Tuesday, March 5, 2019 from 2:30 until 4:30 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 5:00 PM at All Saints Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the LaFond family.

20 Tributes for “Mary L. “Koko” LaFond”

    Jackie and family– so sorry for your loss– I am sorry I wont be able to make it to the funeral but will be sending you all lots of love and blessings.

    I am so sad to hear Koko has passed. I worked with her at SSA and she was so kind to the “new kid” in the office. She was there for me at the beginning of my career and helped me make my decision to retire when I did. We had a special bond indeed. The world was a better place with her optimism and beautiful sense of humor. She loved her family and friends so deeply. She will be missed by so many. RIP my friend.

    I will miss my random visits down to see you when your having your card club. I will also miss our talks on the phone about different things. I miss you gram and please take care of my dad up there and grandpa. Dont let them get into too much trouble 🙂 love you!! RIP.

    I am so sorry to hear Koko passed away. When I started with SSA I worked with her and shared a desk with her. She was a very special person and will be missed.

    My sincere sympathy to KoKo’s family. I loved working with her at pasties at St. Charles. She was always so friendly and welcoming to me and a joy to be around. I know you will all miss her but hopefully your wonderful memories of this precious woman will sustain you. Bev Corbiel

    We are so saddened to hear of KoKo’s passing. We were so fortunate to have known her and have such wonderful memories of spending time with her when we visited Escanaba. She was a very special lady and she will be missed.
    Diane & Mike Davis

    I loved KoKo….so sad to see she passed.
    He husband and my Dad were both in Pine crest at the same time and she came into our Penney store \quite a bit shopping.
    Very loving and kind women, I will always remember her smile, laugh and kindness and warmth …..

    Cathy Stone ( JC Penney’s)

    Kris & Family
    We are so sorry for everyone. We always enjoyed our visits with Koko; she definitely loved life and her family.
    Our prayers will continue for all.
    Much love
    Tyrrell and Diane

    Jackie,

    My deepest Sympathy goes out to your and the family.

    Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen; unheard; but always near.
    Still loved; still missed and very dear.

    Praying for strength, peace, and comfort.

    love Karen

    Koko and I have been friends since kindergarten. She will be missed. My condolences to her family and friends.
    -Joe Moreau
    Racine WI

    Thinking of each of you and know how much you will miss your Mom, gram, sister and friend. I was always greeted by her big smile and proud news of her kids whenever we saw each other on my visits to Gladstone. Hug each other.

    We were saddened to hear of KoKo’s passing. We would try to visit with Jack and KoKo at their home on Stonington Pt., when we came to visit our relatives in the U P. We also visited and enjoyed our time with them in Fla. They were always wonderful hosts and the thing that I will miss is her wonderful (PIES) which she always seem to have freshly baked when we came !!

    Chuck & Laura

    To my wonderful daughter-in-law Ashley Nelson and the entire family of Grandma Koko. My thoughts and prayers are with y’all in your time of loss. Continue to trust in Jesus and stay strong.

    To all family and friends,

    My heart, prayers, and condolences go out to the entire family & friends in this time of heartache. I’m greatly appreciative to have had the privilege to know Grandma KoKo. Every encounter was so pleasant and full of love. Grandma KoKo is a loving and beautiful woman, inside and out.

    Thank you.

    koko and Jack were in our house a lot, my mother and her were very close I came to see why when I got older. She was truly a gem!
    we also had a lot of fun camping with your family and the rest of the gang. she will be missed.
    gayle sigan

    So sorry to hear about KoKo, my Mom Jackie and KoKo were very close and I loved seeing her smiley face. My sympathies go to all the family.

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