Mary Ellen Spendlove was born September 1, 1948 in Benton Harbor, MI to John Carroll and Margaret Elizabeth (nee Robinson) Howard. She graduated from St. John’s Catholic High School in Benton Harbor, Michigan in 1966 and also from Marygrove College in Detroit, Michigan in 1970. Mary Ellen married Timothy John Spendlove on May 23, 1970. She taught at Chesaning Schools for one year, raised a family for sixteen years and then worked for Kinder Kare for twenty years before retirement. During her adult life, she was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Saginaw where she volunteered for funeral lunches and taught CCD classes. Mary Ellen resided in Saginaw, MI from 1970 until 2016 when she moved to Lowell, MI. She enjoyed her Irish heritage, casinos, word puzzles, coffee, the Holland cottage, lighthouses, her many, many cousins, Leche League, Ladies golf league, puns and much more. Surviving Mary Ellen are her children,Thomas (Christine) Spendlove II of Frankenmuth, MI, Tracy (Christopher) Nelson of Lowell, MI and Theodore (Traci Clements) Spendlove of Homewood, IL; nine grandchildren, Cassidy, Abby and Zoey Spendlove, Erica, Matthew, Gunnar and Joset Nelson, and Marcus and Lily Trinidad; siblings, Susan (Sandy) Duckworth of Baldwin, MI, John (Karen) Howard of Wisconsin, James (Rose) Howard of Warren, MI; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Thomas Howard and brother-in-law Edward Duckworth. Visitation will be Thursday, January 9 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at Roth-Gerst Chapel, 305 N.Hudson, Lowell, MI 49331 with a rosary at 7:30 pm. Funeral services will be Friday, January 10 at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Church, 402 Amity St SE, Lowell, MI 49331 with a luncheon to follow. Rev. Aaron Ferris presiding. Memorials may be made to MS foundation 29777 Telegraph Road Suite 1651 Southfield, MI 48034 or CCFA foundation 25882 Orchard Lake Rd Suite 102 Farmington Hills, MI 48336.
Mary Ellen Spendlove
09/01/1948
01/02/2020
13 Responses
So sorry for you loss. Sending hugs, thoughts, and prayers.
Teddy Judy and I send our deepest condolences on the passing of your mother…may she rest in peace
Jim and Judy Clements
So sorry for you loss; many prayers are being sent your way. What a contagious smile she had
Thinking about all of you
The Bommarito and Felten families
Beautifully written. So sorry for your loss. Mary Ellen and her entire family are with our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss and thoughts and prayers to your family.
My sweet dear Aunt Mary Ellen. May you rest with peace with Uncle Tim and Tom. Of course your parents (my grandparents) too.
So sorry for your loss, may God surround you during this difficult time. May the memories shine through each dau/
May the many happy memories of your mom and grandmother help you in this time of loss. We will always remember the fun euchre times with your mom and dad.Our thoughts and prayers to all.
Del and Glenna Gammon
So sorry. I wish I could have seen her more often. Hugs to everyone. Carol Bushert
So sorry for all of you. I wish I could have seen her more often. Hugs to everyone❤️
Thinking of all of you at this difficult time. You are in my prayers.
Tracy, I am so sorry for you and your family’s grand loss. Sending you deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss. Your mother had the most beautiful smile! May she rest in peace with your father! We are thinking and praying for all of you during this difficult time.