EMPIRE — Mary Margaret Boissoneau, 56, of Empire, passed away peacefully Friday, Dec. 17, 2010, at Munson Medical Center, following a lengthy battle with cancer. Mary was born March 1, 1954, in Traverse City, to the late Lawrence and Lelah (Breithaupt) Shalda. She married Ross Daniel Boissoneau on July 23, 1988, in Sparta. Together they raised one son, Marc Xavier Louis Boissoneau. Mary never stopped growing in her faith and her desire to learn things. She enjoyed mastering the computer, e-mailing and reconnecting with friends. St. Philip Neri Catholic Church and her community of Empire were very important in her life. She touched many people of all ages through her ministries. She loved spending time with her church family, and her beautiful singing voice will truly be missed. Mary enjoyed spending time outdoors, including walking along the beaches from Otter Creek to Whitefish Point. Time spent with her family in the Upper Peninsula, especially Drummond Island, was very relaxing for Mary. Mary always put her family first and enjoyed their many activities. She also enjoyed establishing new family traditions while maintaining the old ones. Her smile and wonderful personality will be deeply missed by all.Surviving Mary are her husband, Ross; son, Marc; siblings, Sister Anne Monica Shalda, of Grand Rapids, Larry Shalda, of Muskegon, Len Shalda, of Empire, Monica and brother-in-law, Chad Evans, of Honor, and Lou and sister-in-law, Carmen Shalda, of Rockford; aunt, Fae Shalda, of Empire; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation for Mary will take place on Monday, Dec. 20, 2010, at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Empire, from 4 to 8 p.m., with a Scripture Service held at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 21, also at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church. Fr. Michael Janowski will serve as officiant. Burial will take place in the spring at St. Philip Neri Catholic Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Philip Neri Catholic Church or Habitat for Humanity. Please sign Mary's online guestbook at
www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com
. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.