Mary Emma Franklin, age 86, died Sunday, January 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Mary was born February 20, 1938 in Potosi, WI., to Leo and Olive Winkler, the youngest of 9 children. As a teenager, Mary moved to Traverse City to help her brother with his four young children. After graduating from St. Francis High School, she married James Franklin and together they raised 5 amazing children- and even a few extras along the way.

It was her curiosity that led her to the Traverse City District Library's circulation desk, where she worked for many years. It was here that she greeted patrons with a smile, a conversation, and a book recommendation. Oddly, Mary's love of reading did not extend to cookbooks, as indicated by her own inventive recipes-like macaroni scrambled eggs and Appian Way hot-dog pizza (delish!)

"Waste not, want not" was her mindset. As a young mother, it was common for her children's homemade clothing to match the drapes. Mary's generous and frugal nature was fully on display as she regularly scoured thrift stores, gifting treasures to unsuspecting recipients, as well as donating old rags to the local mechanic.

Her unconventional personality was always shining through, described best by some lasting tales. One such tale was about showing up to work dressed as a chicken and sending her grandson to middle school with French toast in his pocket. Being a breast cancer survivor, Mary felt strongly about woman's equality, inquiring as to whether or not she was breaking the law when she wore her bib overalls without a shirt.

Mary's altruism shone brightest while rescuing strays, human and animal alike. Known as the local bird lady, she was often seen around town with a favorite feathered friend perched proudly on her shoulder. And once, under the cloak of darkness, armed with nothing more than a hotdog in her pocket, she staged a covert rescue mission for a neglected dog. This is not an urban legend, but a true testament to her compassion.

Her final years were spent in tranquil Interlochen, where she spent her days cooking for her dog, Junior, leaving leftovers for the porch possum, and sharing a warm beer with her favorite neighbors.

Mary is preceded in death by her beloved son, Matt, her parents, and seven siblings, leaving behind her loving sister, Ruth Bergdoll. Mary will be forever missed by her children; Kitty (Barney) Ewing, Bean (Bill) Wilson-Lihou, Tom Franklin, Meg (Jason) Franklin-Judd and daughter-in-law Kim (Matt) Roth-Franklin. Her grandchildren- Nick, Joe, Josh, Collin, Pat, Jordan, Kyle, Bailey, Brynne, Hannah, Mars and Pilar.

Continuing the legacy of their eccentric Meemah are her great-grandchildren- Jamisen, Mackenzie, Miles, Axton, Katrina, Jasper, Madi, Bodhi, Rowan, Fisher, and Liam.

Her presence was felt in every room she entered, and her impact on those who knew her will continue to resonate. If you wish to share your own tales of Mary Franklin, please join her family at Reynolds-Jonkhoff on April 12, 2025 at 10am for Visitation, with an 11am Service to follow. If you wish to donate in her name, please direct it to the Cherryland Humane Society.