Christine Martha "Chris" Mallery entered eternal life on April 11, 2023. The fondest of memories are cherished by her surviving husband, Tom Mallery; two children, Tabatha Mallery and Kevin Mallery (Shannan Michael); granddaughters, Lexie Mallery and Riley Mallery; sister Ginny Laskey; brother and sister-in-law Dick and Gaila Mallery; sister-in-law Louise Nemeskal; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Chris was born on July 3, 1946, in Pontiac, Michigan, to Arnold "Arnie" and Margaret (Petroskey) Ojala. Her childhood was shared with her brother and sister, John and Ginny, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Chris' childhood experiences spanned from Rochester to Cedar to a cottage on Lake Leelanau, Michigan.

In August of 1967, Chris and Tom were married at Immaculate Conception Parish in Traverse City. Their journey together took them from Michigan to the Chicago area, to St. Louis, Toronto, San Francisco, back to Chicago, and finally back to Lake Leelanau, where they have spent the last 23 years surrounded by generations of family and friends.

Chris was a dedicated wife and mother first and foremost. She treasured her children; whether shuttling them to dance studios or open gyms, attending competitions or ballgames, sewing dance costumes, or washing uniforms she always ensured they had what they needed and knew they were loved. She especially enjoyed being Nana, loving her granddaughters and traveling to games and dance recitals in support of their pursuits.

She learned from and lived by something her mother told her when she was very young. "There is good in almost everybody. If you are working with someone who is difficult, you just have to look a little harder." An unwavering fan to the Chicago Cubs and Bulls showed that once she committed to a team, or person, she stuck with them.

Chris found purpose in all things and people, creating, and holding onto memories, whether as a Room Mother for her children, teaching Kindergarten Catechism, traveling abroad, or serving as a member of Holy Rosary Quilters, Lake Leelanau Lady Lunch Group, the Little Garden Club of Leland, and the St. Peter Damian Catholic Women's Organization. She was also known to enjoy the thrill of a win at the casino or the completion of a thousand-piece puzzle.

Knowing Chris meant there was always someone to celebrate special occasions, cheer at sporting events, and share their warm thoughts and sound advice during life's struggles. She was a talented artist, showcasing her skills through drawing, painting, photography and creating beautiful cakes, all meticulously created out of love. In her home, there was always an invitation to sit around a beautifully set table with family and friends sharing laughs and conversation. Chris' life was marked by her kind heart and Catholic faith. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arnie and Margaret Ojala, brother John Ojala, in-laws, Ernie and Bea Mallery, and brother-in-law Gerry Laskey. Chris was loving and is much loved.

Friends and family may visit Friday, May 12, from 4-7 pm at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Cedar. The Rosary will be prayed at 7 pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will follow the next day, Saturday, May 13, at 11:00 am, also at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Mt. Calvary Cemetery next door.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Holy Rosary Catholic Church, St. Jude's Children's Hospital, or a charity of your choice.

Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories with the family.