Obituary of Mary Carter

Mary Julia Valerio was born in LaSalle, Michigan on April 12, 1929. She was one of seven children born from the union of the late Albert and Julia (Gram) Valerio. She would marry the love of her life, Glen E. Carter on February 18, 1948 in Monroe. From this union, the couple raised two children. Mary resided in LaSalle for most of her life, later moving to Toledo where she and Glen would call home for the last thirty years. Mary helped to support her family for more than fifteen years working for Walt Churchhill's Market in Toledo; before finally taking retirement in 1990 when the store closed. Mary had a love for shopping, she was very thrify, and often bought for everyone in her family. She enjoyed going to church with her husband, and going out to eat afterwards, cracker barrel being one of her favorites. Mary hosted numerous family gatherings in her home, where she would cook for all who came. She enjoyed the holidays and the annual tradition of Christmas at grandmas. Mary had an unconditional love for her grandchildren that was like no other. Mary Julia Carter, age 86 of Toledo passed away at 7:00pm on Friday, January 8, 2016 peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family. In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by her sister: Margaret Valerio; and two brothers: Albert and Fred Valerio. To cherish her memory she leaves her beloved husband of sixty- seven years: Glen Carter of Toledo; son: Samuel H. Carter; daughter: Betty Jean (William J.) Gary of Burt, Michigan; brother: Jim Valerio of LaSalle; two sisters: Arlene Gaynier of Monroe and Betty (Pete) Lucio of Point Place; five grandchildren: Crystal (Tim) Bassingwaite of Maryland, Tabitha Harris of Toledo, Uriah Altum, Andrea and Nicholas Kowalski all three of Burt, Michigan; and thirteen great grandchildren. Friends may gather from 3:00pm until 8:00pm on Monday, January 11, 2016 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe (734) 241-7070. A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 11:00am on Tuesday, January 12, 2015 also at Merkle's. Procession will follow to La Salle Township Cemetery for burial. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.