She was born in Lansing, Michigan, and raised in Portland. She went on to dedicate many years to the Secretary of State in the transportation department.
Mary Ann Thelen married Gary R. Gardner on July 13, 1973, and they were blessed with 49 years of marriage before Gary’s passing in May of 2022.
Mary Ann was a devout parishioner at St. Therese Catholic Church. She enjoyed crafting, playing cards, traveling with her sister, Susan, and taking trips to Disney. She treasured moments spent in the company of family and friends while swinging on the deck or just relaxing there.
Surviving Mary Ann are her brothers, Charles (Sandee) Thelen and Rick Thelen; her brother-in-law, Phillip (Mary) Gardner; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gary Gardner; her sister, Susan Sanders (Thelen); her brother, David Thelen; and her parents, Ernest and Betty Thelen.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Mary on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM, with a one-hour prior visitation from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at St. Therese Catholic Church, 102 W Randolph St., Lansing, MI 48906.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary's memory may be made to St. Therese Catholic Church, 102 W Randolph St., Lansing, MI 48906 or St. Patrick Catholic Church, 140 Church St., Portland, MI 48875.
