Franklin, Mary G.
(August 21, 1929 – January 12, 2011)
Finally called home to be with her husband, William T. Franklin, on January 12, 2011.
Born to Italian immigrants, Giuseppe and Antonia D'Onofrio, on August 21, 1929, Mary was raised in Akron, Ohio, with her siblings Maria (deceased), David, Anthony (deceased), Pat (deceased), and Joseph. After graduating from St. Mary's High School, she received an academic scholarship to attend Marygrove College in Detroit, Michigan, where she met her husband, William T. Franklin, in 1948.
She earned a dual degree in psychology and personnel management (human resources) in 1950, married on April 14, 1951, and settled in Detroit. Her profound faith guided, sustained, and enriched every aspect of her life. Mary and Bill were blessed with a family of ten boys and seven girls. While raising her children, Mary always found time to volunteer in her children's classrooms, local school and municipal libraries, and at the Detroit chapter of the Little Sisters of the Poor.
Her inherent altruism inspired her to spend two summers in the Appalachian Mountains, helping underprivileged children and doing whatever was needed of her. She continued sharing herself with those in need by spending time with patients in Hospice, singing in various Resurrection choirs, and offering support to patients and families in several local hospitals. In every facet of her life, Mary unconditionally gave of herself and taught through example.
When not devoting herself to family or friends, she enjoyed writing letters, reading, watching old movies, dancing, singing, playing cards, clipping coupons, and sipping coffee.
Her loving family, often affectionately referred to as the "Franklin Funny Farm," includes Mary Wieske (Thomas) and their children: Jennifer (Steven), Elizabeth, Melissa (Craig), and Jason; Joseph (Kathleen) and their children: Michael, James (deceased), and Joseph; William II (Judy) and their children: William III, Jessica, and Anthony; Anthony (Christine) and their children: Anthony, Michelle, Sarah, and Patricia; Ann O'Connell (Daniel) and their children: Renee, Danielle, and Mary; Michael (Mary Anne) and their children: Jacqueline, Michael, Christopher, and Anne Marie; John (Brenda) and their children: John and Michael; Marguerite Kimball (David) and their children: Mackenzie and Spencer; Helen; Richard; Patricia (deceased); Paul (Jean-Paul Florentin); Jeanne Casner (Daniel) and their children: Allison and Christopher; Steven (Erin) and his children: Olivia and Jack; Philip (Tracy) and their children: Philip and Caroline; Linda Miller (Darin) and their children: Addison, Camryn, and Isaac; and Edward (Audree) and their children: Hunter, Paige, Zoe, and Devin. Four great-grandchildren also survive her: Landon, Leland, Brynn, and Ryan. Mary lived her very full, Christian life according to a simply maxim, with which she often closed her many letters: "Love, Peace, & Laugher—all three necessary in life. Love—I have it; Peace—I'm working on it; Laughter—I never lost it!" Dear Lord, embrace her.
Visitation at the O'Brien/Sullivan Funeral Home 41555 Grand River, Novi 248-348-1800 Sunday 2-9pm. Rosary Sunday 7:30pm. Instate at Old St. Patrick Church 5671 Whitmore Lake Road,Ann Arbor, Monday 12:30pm until the funeral liturgy at 1:00pm. Luncheon immediately following. Donations can be made to (Covenant House, www.covenanthouse.org ; Seasons Hospice; or the IHM Motherhouse, Monroe, Michigan, www.ihmsisters.org ). On line sympathy message at www.obriensullivanfuneralhome.com