"So sorry to hear about Melaine, Bob. What a wonderful lady she was. I will miss her coming to the UPAWS rummage sales. I hope you are doing okay."
In loving memory of
MELAINE D. McGARRY
October 2, 1939 - October 25, 2019
Melaine Dale McGarry, 80, of Ishpeming Township, died peacefully Friday afternoon, October 25, 2019 at her home, with family by her side and under the care of Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice.
She was born October 2, 1939 in Flint, Michigan, a daughter of the late Warren D. and Martha L. (Stegall) Mitchell.
She was a 1957 graduate of Flint Central High School.
On February 15, 1958, Melaine married her high school sweetheart, Robert E. McGarry in Flint. They settled in Grand Blanc where they raised their family.
Melaine attended Mott Community College and obtained an associate's degree in dental hygiene in 1974. She worked in Flint and Grand Blanc for many years as a dental hygienist.
Melaine and Robert retired and moved to the UP in 1988. They lived off-grid in the deep woods in a house that Melaine partially designed that required alternative energy.
She cared deeply about the environment, social injustice and animal welfare. She had a passion for animals, a soft spot for strays and a house full of pets.
An avid reader and life-long learner, history, current events and politics were welcome topics of discussion and debate.
Summers were spent caring for her extensive perennial gardens. Winters were spent quilting, knitting and crocheting.
She was an excellent cook noted for her southern fried chicken, sourdough bread and pies.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Robert McGarry of Ishpeming Township; daughters, Colleen (Curtis Jay) McGarry of Marquette, Bridget McGarry of Sterling Heights, MI and Teresa (David) Miller of Piedmont, SC; grandchildren, Zachary and Caleb Jay, Hannah Jay-Adolphs, Corey and Alex Miller; and a great-granddaughter, Ava Zahn.
A celebration of Melaines life and a luncheon will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 from 11 am to 1 pm at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to UPAWS, PO Box 968, Marquette, MI 49855.
Melaines complete obituary may be viewed at canalefuneral.com where memories may be shared.
Tributes
"Melaine and I met in hygiene school. She was my rock during those stressful times. At that time the McGarry family lived in An elegant and beautiful house in Grand Blanc with 6 cats who were able to spring themselves from their basement prison. Melaine presented me with my first baby kitties in the early 70s, Stanley, an orange male, and Molly, his litter mate. They were a great comfort during a time of transition for me. Much later, the memory of my visit to the contrarian dream come true property In Negaunee feels like it was yesterday - Melaines flowers, cooking, and critters, Bobs heroic wood and stump pile. The comfort of good friends in their element remains with me. I look forward to a grand reunion in our next life. Much love to your awesome family. Barb Wagner"
"Brian and I met Melanie line dancing and we enjoyed watching them dance. We stopped at their beautiful home and saw how self sufficient they were, absolutely amazing. She shared with me perennial flowers from her garden., that will always remind me of kindness. God has brought a beautiful angel hone."