Mary Talaga

KEWADIN — Mrs. Mary Lally Talaga, 70, of Kewadin, formerly of Michigan City, Ind., passed away on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011, in Traverse City.She was born in St. Louis, Mo., on Aug. 7, 1941, to Jack and Amelia Lally. Mary grew up in St. Louis where she graduated from St. Louis University in Physical Therapy. While there, she met Tom Talaga, whom she married in 1963. She and Tom moved to Michigan City where Tom practiced dentistry for 31 years. Mary was devoted to raising her four children, while practicing physical therapy and volunteering in many community organizations. Mary and Tom moved to northern Michigan in 1998, where they enjoyed their love of Lake Michigan and the outdoors. A faith-filled person, Mary was a longtime member of Notre Dame Catholic Church in Michigan City, and recently Christ the King Catholic Church, Acme.She was a fun-loving, loyal and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She had a courage and determination that kept her living life to the fullest despite any circumstance. Mary was an inspiration to all who knew her.She is survived by her son Capt. Michael (Uyen) Talaga, of San Diego, Calif.; son Edward (Becky) Talaga, of Grand Rapids; son John (Marijo) Talaga, of Chicago; daughter Ellen (Edward) Mikolay, of Grand Rapids; and 12 grandchildren. She also is survived by her brother, John Lally, of St. Louis. She was preceded in death by her husband Tom of 44 years, her father John Patrick Lally and mother Amelia.Friends may call at Carlisle Funeral Home, 613 Washington St., Michigan City, Thursday, Sept. 22, from 4 to 8 p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday, Sept. 23, at 10:30 a.m. at Notre Dame Catholic Church, 1000 Moore Road, Michigan City. Burial will be at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens, Michigan City.Gifts in memorial of Mary Talaga may be made to Munson Healthcare Regional Foundation, Cancer Center Vision, 210 Beaumont Place, Traverse City, MI 49684.Please share your thoughts and memories with the family by way of Mary's online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, Traverse City, and The Carlisle Funeral Home, Michigan City.

Mary Talaga

September 18, 2011