Mary Ellen Alanko

Mary was born Aug. 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 Nov. 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. 7, at 11 a.m. 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. To leave a message of online condolence, please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.