Mary R. Commons

Mary Rose Commons, 88 of Gaylord, passed away Saturday, July 7, 2018 at Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital.

Born on November 1, 1929 in Heidelberg, Kentucky, Mary was the daughter of Arco and Mattie (Evans) Smith.  She moved to Michigan in her youth and graduated from Southwestern High School in Detroit.

A longtime Fairhaven resident, Mary moved to her cottage in Gaylord in 1988 after retiring from her work in defense contracting.

An avid reader and gardener, Mary was also the secretary/treasurer of the Fawn Lake Homeowners Association.

Surviving are her children, Donna (Richard) Markham of Macomb and Kelly (Debra) Commons of Troy; grandchildren, Erin (Steven) Kendal, Neil Commons and Jessica Commons; great grandchildren, Lillian, Tecumseh and Seth; her sister, Norma Zakhar of Dearborn and several nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her longtime companion, H. Mitchell “Hank” Hedges; a granddaughter, Chelsey Markham; sisters, Phyllis Zaremba and Fay Ybarra; and brothers James and George Smith.

A memorial gathering will be held at a later date.  Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society or the Autism Society of Michigan.

Arrangements are by Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service.  Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com