Mary Anne Romero

Mary Anne Abke Romero, 78, of Marysville, Michigan, passed away after a sudden and heartbreaking turn of events while traveling on January 3, 2026. She was lovingly known also as Mare, Aunt Mare, Mom, Gram, and the name she held closest Ghee. Mary Anne was born on January 21, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan, to Cletus and Susan Abke. She lived a life defined by love, adventure, and an unwavering devotion to family—both the family she was born into and the family she chose. She was the deeply loved mother of Sebistiana Romero and warmly welcomed Sebistiana’s fiancé, Kimberly Duckworth, as part of her heart and home. Mary Anne was a proud and devoted grandmother to Gabrielle (William) Fretenborough, Taylor Rose, Meghan (Ronald) Kolman, Marissa (Sergio) Martinez, and Hope (Andrew) Corsetti. She was a cherished great-grandmother to Covell Fretenborough, Maelynn Thurston, Bryson Kolman, Noah Martinez, Liam Martinez, and Vivian Martinez, and she joyfully awaited the arrival of her great-granddaughter, Chesney Mary Anne Fretenborough. She was also a loving mother figure to Anthony Christopher, Chantal, Ambre, and Anthony Watson, offering guidance, support, and unconditional love. Mary Anne was a dear sister to Grace Arsenault, Alta Marvinetz Hepting, Cletus Abke, Susan Stolzenfeld, Edward Abke, Joann McWilliams, John Abke, Dianne Plotkowski, Michael Abke, and Richard Abke, and a beloved sister-in-law to Joseph Arsenault, Andrew Marvinetz, Karl Hepting, Georgetta Abke, Edward Stolzenfeld, Judy Abke, Michael McWilliams, Nan Abke, Lawrence Plotkowski, Flo Abke, and Elsie Abke. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were deeply touched by her kindness and generosity. Mary Anne never believed in “step” or "in-law" relationships—to her, everyone was simply family. She welcomed all with open arms and had a rare gift for making people feel loved and accepted. She had an adventurous spirit and a deep love of travel, never letting fear or limitations hold her back from experiencing life. A Celebration of Life will be held on February 8, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the American Legion Hall, 34330 Boardman Road, Memphis, Michigan 48041. In true Mary Anne fashion, the family will be serving her favorite foods: spaghetti, roast with mashed potatoes, and a wide variety of desserts—her absolute favorite meal. Mary Anne’s legacy lives on in the countless lives she loved, nurtured, and welcomed as her own.

Mary Anne Romero

January 21, 1947 - January 3, 2026