Mary Puleo

There are some who view being a wife, mother, and homemaker to be mundane work with little reward, but nothing could have been further from the truth in the mind of Mary Puleo. She considered it pure joy to care for the family the good Lord bestowed upon her, and she did so with ease. Mary lived a contented life, never worrying about what she didnt have, but making due with every circumstance that came her way. A truly gentle and humble woman, Mary had a tender touch and was blessed with a nurturing spirit that greatly enriched the lives of many who came not only in her home, but into her life as well. With a life that spanned nearly a century, Mary leaves behind lessons in compassion, generosity, and genuine beauty that illustrate what a life of faith truly should be. If one could turn back the hands of time to the year 1911, life in America would look much different than the life we know today. There were unsafe working conditions and immigration issues while the nations youth were more often found in the workplace or at home on the family farm than they were in school. This was a year for celebration, however, for the family of Joseph and Judith (Skok) Smith since it was on February 2nd of that year that they welcomed their daughter, Mary, into their hearts and home. Born in Coopersville, Michigan, Mary was one of fourteen children in her family, although four of her siblings died while still infants. Of the ten that grew into adulthood, there were nine girls and one boy. Marys father was a farmer and as was commonplace, the Smith children all helped out on the farm milking cows, working in the fields, or taking care of various other farm chores. She attended school in Coopersville through the eighth grade and found work as a waitress. It was Marys work at the restaurant that set the stage for the introduction to the young man who would change the course of her life. His name was Joseph Puleo and he was a customer there. A dating relationship began and after falling in love, the couple was married on April 5, 1928. Soon after, they were delighted to become parents to their first of four children, Rose in 1929. Caroline joined their family in 1931. Mary and Joe lived with his parents in Grand Rapids since these were the days of the Great Depression. Joes sisters moved to New York City in search of work and when they found some, Mary and Joe moved there as well. Their family settled in Brooklyn and soon grew to include Thomas in 1933 and Delores in 1935. Their bustling family lived in a fourth floor apartment where Mary kept a clean house and also kept everything in its place. Her childrens clothes were always pressed and starched, and their teachers used them as examples of how the other children should look. Most of Joes family also lived in New York and when his mother died, Mary took in Joes father and his two youngest sisters as well. Not surprisingly, the three additions just blended right in. A true caretaker, Mary also cared for Joes older sisters children when she got divorced. Since there wasnt much money, Mary was only able to travel to Michigan to see her family once in ten years. In the mid-forties, the Puleo family including Joes father moved back to Michigan, settling in Grand Haven. They moved into a big, run-down house on Elliot Street that according to the kids, was a dump. They heated the place with coal in the fireplaces and Mary had to heat water on the stove to do laundry, but she did her best to clean the place up and make it feel like home. Much of Marys time was spent tending to Joe since he could be demanding, but she never seemed to mind as she loved him deeply. Mary was a fantastic cook who also loved to bake, and she kept a big garden that was home to both flowers and vegetables that she shared with the neighborhood. Mary also worked some outside of the home, initially at Evans Products and later at Story & Clark Piano as an assembly person in the factory. She remained there for over 20 years. As a family they attended St. Patricks Catholic Church. Through the years, Mary kept busy. After their children were grown, she and Joe moved to a house on Robbins Road where she lived for many years. She liked to crochet and together with Joe, she liked to play bingo at the Eagles. They also took memorable trips to Florida at different times. When Joe became afflicted with Parkinsons disease, she took great care of him, lovingly tending to his every need. Mary was deeply saddened with his death in 1985, but she continued to make the most of the days she was given while living on her own. She never learned to drive, but could give great directions and relied on Dial-A-Ride and her children and grandchildren to get her where she needed to go including church on Sundays. Almost every Sunday, Mary enjoyed dinner at her daughter Carolines house. Mary wintered in Florida with her sister Margaret for a number of years and later at her daughter Deloress home in Virginia. She never got into modern conveniences, insisting that her wringer washer cleaned her clothes better and that her toaster oven beat a microwave any day. When she was 91, Mary moved into assisted living at Christian Haven where she greatly enjoyed life. Eventually, she moved into Robinson Nursing Home when she needed more help. Even as her body grew weaker, Marys mind remained sharp, and she still enjoyed watching baseball from time to time. Mary Puleo was a woman who was always thinking of others whether in ways great or small. There were so many whose lives she touched offering a place to live, a home-cooked meal, or simply a warm smile. Mary was a devoted mother who nurtured those in her care in such a special way. A true gift to those around her, Mary will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. Mary Puleo died on Wednesday, October 27, 2010. Marys family includes her daughters, Caroline McFadden of Grand Haven, Delores (Lamar) Barger of VA; son, Thomas (Trudy) Puleo of Grand Haven; 16 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; brother, George Smith; and many nieces & nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph in 1985; daughter, Rose Mitchell in 2005 and twin daughter Doris in 1935; granddaughter, Eileen; 2 great-great-grandchildren & 8 sisters. A service will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2010, 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Fr. William Langlois officiating. Interment at Lake Forest Cemetery. Visit with Marys family and friends on Friday, 4-7 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Grand Haven location Grand Haven, MI with a Rosary Service at 6:30 p.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or make a memorial donation to Hospice of North Ottawa.