Mary Fay Minor-Pizzala

The daughter of Alfred and Leona (Deloria) Lavallee, she was born Aug. 20, 1934, in Escanaba, Mich. Mary attended St. Joseph Academy, Adrian, Mich,, and Cloverland Business School, Escanaba, Mich. On June 13, 1953, she married Leo John (Jack) Minor at St. John’s Catholic Church, Garden, Mich. They later moved to Inkster, Mich., and raised their family, while Jack worked for GM. In 1987, they returned to Garden, Mich., and resided in Vans Harbor. Jack preceded Mary in death on Jan. 23, 2004.

On Aug. 13, 2005, she married Darrel J. Pizzala, at St. John’s Catholic Church, Garden, Mich.

While living and raising her family in Lower Michigan, Mary was involved in many activities, including watching her kids play sports. She was a member of Cherry Hill High School Sports Booster Club. She was involved in her children’s academics. Mary was the secretary for St. Kevin’s Catholic Church, Inkster, Mich. She was a devoted Catholic, and a member of St. John’s Catholic Church, Garden, Mich., where she played the organ and sang in the choir for 30 years. Mary loved music, especially Vince Gill! She was a member of St. Anne’s Altar Society, and president for 10 years. She also worked at St. John’s Harvest Dinners and Feather Night Bingo.

Mary enjoyed being a member of The Garden Historical Society and the Red Hats Society.

Mary had many friends and loved people. She especially loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She loved visiting with her brothers and sisters. Most of all she loved her dog, Mister. Mary loved gardening and going for rides on the Pontoon Boat. She loved to travel and spent several years residing in Port Richey, Florida, with friends during the winter.

Mary is survived by her loving husband, Darrel; sons, David (Laura) Gross of El Paso, Texas, Stephen (Peggy) Minor of Garden, Mich., James (Michelle) Minor of Plymouth, Mich., Michael (Diane) Minor of Gaylord, Mich., Thomas (Sue) Minor of Kalkaska, Mich.; daughters, Debra (Michael) Riley of Dexter, Mich., Patty Minor of Canton, Mich., Marcie (Mark) Radlicki of Pickney, Mich.; stepchildren, Lew (Cynthia) Pizzala of Negaunee, Mich., Carey (Dennie) Korpi of Ishpeming, Mich, and Lori (Michael) Parkinson of Green Bay, Wis.; brothers, James (Shirley) Lavallee of Garden, Mich., John (Robin) Lavallee of Marquette, Mich.; sisters, Anne (the late Jack) Thousand of Rochester, Mich., Jane (Gus) Neverman of Green Bay, Wis., 31 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Per the family’s wishes, the previously scheduled visitation and services have been canceled at this time due to the state recommendations for social distancing. The family plans to have a Mass of Christian Burial held in the spring. Date and time to be determined. We appreciate your understanding and welcome your condolences to the family at the Fausett Family Funeral Homes online guestbook. Memorial donations may be directed to the Garden Historical Society or the Alzheimer’s Society of Michigan.

Mary’s children extend a very special thank you to Darrel for his loving care he has given to her over the past 15 years.

Fausett Family Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements. To send condolences or share a memory visit Fausettfh.com.