Mary Ellen J. Ireland, 94, of Washington, MI, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 18, 2020 at Ascension (Crittenton) Hospital in Rochester, MI. She was born April 28, 1925 in Mt. Clemens, MI to Arthur C. and Angela (Weiss) Schutt.

Surviving are nine of her 10 children, Stewart (Kristy) Ireland, China Twp, MI; Suzanne (John) Guttowsky, Sandusky , MI; Paula Ireland (Gerald Rottinghaus), Fairfax, VA; Catherine (Ron) Plichta, Algonac, MI; Angela (Bob) Mertens, Mt. Juliet, TN; Helen (Glen) Knoblock, Washington, MI; Mary Jo (Mike) Pezzini, Wasilla, AK; Marcia (Rob) Golab, Ray, MI; and Christopher (Lisa) Ireland, Victor, ID. Mary Ellen leaves behind 27 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and 1 great great-granddaughter. She also leaves behind 2 sisters, Julianne (Jim) Ferrari and Angela (Dave) Willis.

Mary Ellen was predeceased by her son, Stephen and granddaughter, Mary Jo Mertens as well as her brothers, Arthur and Louis Schutt.

Mary Ellen attended school at St. Mary’s in Mt. Clemens at the age of 4 and graduated at 16. She married in 1948 and was an Air Force spouse for many years before the family settles in Armada, MI. She worked before her marriage at Selfridge AB and then again when all her children were in school. She retired at the age of 70 from her position at Selfridge.

She enjoyed reading and putting together puzzles. She crocheted many afghans for her grandchildren until her hands no longer could. She enjoyed hosting every holiday for many years until her late 80s. She loved playing Rummikub with her daughters, visits from her family and flowers on special occasions or no occasion at all. She especially loved red roses.

There will be a private service on Thursday, April 23, 2020 at Tiffany-Young and Hauss Funeral Home in Armada, MI with internment at Willow Grove Cemetery, Richmond Township. Reverend Robert Schikora will be officiating.

A memorial mass and celebration of life will be held later this summer.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Mystical Rose, March of Dimes or Wounded Warriors.