Mary Ellen Sanborn

Mary Ellen Sanborn, age 88, of Sterling Heights, Michigan, passed away on October 16, 2024. She was born on March 23, 1936 in St. Clair Shores, Michigan to Norman and Leona (nee Renaud) Freeman. In her final years, Mary Ellen found solace in the company of her husband, Don. As a teen, Mary Ellen was often found on her roller skates. She was a performer and even a state champion speed skater. She met Don at the skating rink, and immediately hit things off. The two enjoyed 71 years of marriage together. Mary Ellen also was an avid bowler and golfer. She belonged to many leagues and had a great circle of friends come from these sports. She also devoted time to work in her gardens, from flowers to vegetables, she enjoyed keeping them neat and spending time outdoors. Mary Ellen loved to work with thread and needle. She enjoyed needle point and quilting. Not only was she able to share her gifts by donating much of what she made, but she even won many ribbons and awards from her submissions to the state fair. Mary Ellen was dedicated to her church. She was a proud catholic. She enjoyed taking a deeper dive into scripture, and often spent time volunteering at church; from being a Eucharistic minister to teaching catechism. Mary Ellen prided herself on giving back. From the quilts that she made, to volunteering at the church and the American Red Cross, to the contributions to charities like the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society, she made a difference in many lives. Above all, she was a dedicated to her family. She had a deep love for her husband and children; and she especially adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed making and giving her grandchildren personalized gifts. Mary Ellen is beloved wife of the late Don, who preceded her in death in July 2024; the loving mother of Donald Jr. Russel (Karen), Judy Steele, Paul, Ken, and the late Gary, who preceded Mary Ellen in death in 2022; the proud grandmother of Stephanie, Nicholas, Alicia, Jake, Jesse, Scott, and Calvin; and the adored great-grandmother of Alice, Gabriel, Gwendolyn, Chloe, and Tristan. Mary Ellen's family will receive friends for visitation on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, October 23, from 11:00 a.m. until her funeral service at 12:00 p.m. at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Road (3 blocks East of Van Dyke), Utica. Interment at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly. In honor of Mary Ellen, memorials are appreciated to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674 or americanheart.org, or to the American Cancer Society Metro Detroit Area Service Center, P.O. Box 10069, Detroit, MI 48210 or www.cancer.org. Please leave a memory or share a story at www.SullivanFuneralDirectors.com

Mary Ellen Sanborn

March 23, 1936 - October 16, 2024