Mary Ann Wallenius

ALPENA, Mich. - Mary Ann Wallenius, 81, of Alpena, passed away Saturday, Jan. 4, 2014, at Tendercare - Alpena.

Mary Ann Alessandroni was born in Ironwood on Jan. 7, 1932, to the late Giachino "John" and Giovannina "Johana" (Ursini) Alessandroni. She graduated in 1949 from St. Ambrose Catholic High School in Ironwood, and on Sept. 1, 1951, married Harold Wallenius. He preceded her in death on Oct. 28, 1995.

Mary's family and providing for them was the focus of all she did. She was a very dedicated mother and loved raising her two boys. Mary was an outstanding cook and enjoyed preparing many wonderful Italian meals for her family. She was very proud to be able to pass on these recipes to her family. Mary was a very talented artist who enjoyed drawing with her grandchildren. Mary was a vociferous reader. She loved the Lord and knew the Bible well. She also enjoyed crossword and jigsaw puzzles, crocheting and knitting.

Surviving are two sons, Steven (Phyllis) Wallenius and Paul (Luann) Wallenius; five grandchildren, Nikki, Stephanie, Nina, Vincent and Autumn; and 11 great-grandchildren, Ariana, Nolan, Auriel, Mia, Jacob, Emma, Jessica, Ava, Elenie, Steven and Rhea, all of whom she loved dearly. Also surviving is a sister, Juanitia (Fred) Beeck, of Sheboygan, Wis.

Mary was preceded in death by three sisters, Irma (Rueben) Klueger, Elizabeth (Onni) Heino and Anna Colasacco; and three brothers, Anthony (Ginny) Alexandroni, Louis (Jackie) Alexandroni and James (Marie) Alexandria.

Memorial visitation will take place on Saturday, Jan. 11, at the Bannan Funeral Home in Alpena from 11 a.m. until time of the memorial service at 1 p.m. with Sr. Mary Hughes SFCC officiating.

Cards may be sent to the Bannan Funeral Home, 222 S. Second Ave., Alpena MI 49707.

Inurnment with a graveside service is planned for this summer at Riverside Cemetery in Ironwood.