Mary Ellen Merchant, 80, of Kalkaska, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 12, 2025, with her loving family by her side.

Mary Ellen was born on February 25, 1945, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to the late Edward and Hope Singer. The family later moved to Dearborn, Michigan, where she graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic School with the Class of 1963. Mary Ellen was heavily involved with her high school class, as Vice President, Homecoming Queen, and a member of the Honors Society. She cherished many friendships, especially with her "Shamrock Sisters".

Following high school, Mary Ellen attended Aquinas College, where she studied occupational therapy. She eventually met and fell in love with Glenn Merchant, and the two were married in Traverse City on February 16, 1975. Together they lovingly raised three children: Mike, Suzy, and Jon.

Mary Ellen worked for many years for Traverse City Area Public Schools, Northwestern Michigan College, and Great Lakes Maritime Academy as an administrative assistant. While her career was important, she took great pride in her role as a wife and mother, always offering her love, guidance, and encouragement to her family.

When her children grew and started families of their own, Mary Ellen found immense joy in being "Mimi" for her grandkids. She adored her grandchildren, Zak, Luke, Brooke, Ty and Brady. She never missed an opportunity to attend their events or share stories about them with others. She loved them each so much and was the best Mimi ever!

Mary Ellen will be remembered for her creativity, smile, and warmth. She was a talented knitter, quilter, avid reader, wonderful cook, and a dedicated gardener. She enjoyed traveling the world and especially cherished a memorable trip to her ancestral homeland of Ireland, but nothing brought her more joy than spending time on Torch Lake with her grandkids.

Mary Ellen is survived by her devoted husband, Glenn of 50 wonderful years; her children, Mike Keser, Suzy (Gary Rakan) Merchant, and Jon (Jennifer) Merchant; her beloved grandchildren Zak, Luke, Brooke, Ty, and Brady; her brother Jack Singer; in-laws Richard (Diane) Merchant, Robert Merchant, and Joyce (Daniel) Tkach; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters-in-law, Janet Buchanan and Jane Kwiatkowski.

A memorial celebration of Mary Ellen's life will be held on Sunday, June 7th, 2026, from 2-5pm at Venue Blue at Discovery Pier (13223 S. West Bayshore Drive, Traverse City, MI).

Mary Ellen was so proud of her daughter, Suzy's efforts and vision of founding the empowHER Leadership Retreat for young girls 4th-9th grade that focused on building resilience, confidence, and community. In lieu of flowers, please consider a Memorial contribution for the retreat.
Click here to donate in her honor

She will be laid to rest at Oakwood Catholic Cemetery, near her parents. Friends and family can share thoughts and memories at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .