Mary M. Abler (nee. O'Brien), age 96, passed away July 31, 2022.

Beloved wife of the late William for over 50 wonderful years.
Proud mother of Kathi (Bill) Beiswenger, William (Susan), Marjorie (Walter) Olepa, Timothy (Lauri), Julie, David (Kathy), Alice Eldred-DuPont, James (Jacqueline), and the late Jane.
Loving grandmother of 12 and great-grandmother of 17.
Dear sister of Katherine Daly, Alice Balavitch, Margaret Cate, and the late Grace Kozik, Paul O'Brien, Thomas O'Brien, and Patricia Matthews.

Mary was born in a small house in Virden Illinois to her deeply cherished parents, Bernard Paul and Grace Mae O'Brien. Her life was devoted to her family and loving and caring for them was the primary focus of every moment of every day.

Her daughter, Janie, was a very special gift and a blessing. The entire family worked in concert to support Janie and each other and Mary and William were fierce and tireless advocates for ensuring that her life was rich, fulfilling, and joyful.

Mary's knowledge of extended family history and her memory for detail were extraordinary. Heritage was integral to who she was and she wore her Irish lineage proudly. She was also in possession of very highly developed communication skills. An exceptional conversationalist, she relished regaling family members and friends with stories, anecdotes, and comprehensive descriptions of important life events.

Mary was highly sensitive to the needs and feelings of others and she responded with tenderness and compassion. She always made people feel welcome, accepted, and understood and she was exceedingly thoughtful, generous, wise, and kind. Her sense of humor, too, was wonderful--she laughed easily and heartily and she always got the punch line!

Mary would make annual pilgrimages to the northern Michigan woods to commune with her sisters and to relax and re-charge. She was an avid reader and tracked current events with great energy and enthusiasm. Watching movies and listening to music were additional sources of engagement and renewal. And of course, she had an unbridled passion for Sanders chocolate!

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 2 from 3-8PM and Wednesday, August 3 from 2-8PM with a rosary at 7PM at the Taylor Chapel of Howe-Peterson Funeral Home, 9800 S. Telegraph Rd, Taylor, MI 48180. Funeral Mass on Thursday, August 4, instate 9:30AM until time of funeral at 10AM at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 14101 Superior St, Southgate, MI 48195. Interment at Michigan Memorial Park Cemetery.

Donations will be forwarded to a fund supporting communication aids for disabled children in memory of Mary's beloved daughter, Jane F. Abler.