Mary Elizabeth Waling

Mary Elizabeth Waling, of Plymouth, Michigan, passed away on July 15, 2026, at the remarkable age of 103. Mary was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Maria Ferraro and Joseph Candela. As a young girl, she dreamed of becoming a biologist. She later worked as a bank teller and at Sanders. Mary met the love of her life, Thomas Waling, at Madonna Catholic Church and were married for 78 years. They began dating when Mary was just 14 years old, and their childhood romance grew into a lifelong love. The couple married in 1942 and went on to build a beautiful family together. Mary was the devoted mother of six children: the late Tom (Barbara) Waling, Richard (Harley) Waling, Joseph (Sandra) Waling, Dennis (Liddy) Waling, the late MaryBeth (John) Palmer, and Ronald (Susan) Waling. She was also a cherished grandmother and great-grandmother, with 38 grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought her great joy. She was a den mother with cub scouts and very involved in the boy scout community. Mary was also at Los Alamos with Tom when he worked on the Manhattan Project during WWII from 1942-1945. A woman of deep faith, Mary was actively involved in the Catholic Church throughout her life. She attended Madonna Catholic Church, St. Mary’s of Milford, and St. Colette Catholic Church in Livonia. Her faith remained an important source of strength, comfort, and community. Mary was preceded in death by her five siblings, Robert, Florence, Susie, Johnny, and Tony. She is predeceased by her nieces and nephews: Nancy House, Celestine Cessante, Julius Cessante, Martha Thompson, Baby Florence, Vincent Cessante, Nunzio “Butchie” Cessante Jr. and Rose Milavec. Survived by her niece Virginia Ardley. Mary will be remembered for her enduring faith, her devotion to her family, and the extraordinary life she shared with generations of loved ones. Her memory will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Visitation Sunday, July 19, 2026 5-8PM and Monday July 20, 2026 from 2-8 PM with a 7 PM Rosary Service at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 Ann Arbor Rd. W, (btwn Sheldon & Beck) Plymouth. In state Tuesday, July 21, 2026 10:30 AM until the 11:00 AM Funeral Mass at St. Collette Catholic Church 17600 Newburgh Road Livonia Michigan 48152. Memorial contributions may be made to Plymouth Police Officers Association 201 South Main Street Plymouth, Michigan 48170. You can also donate to the gofund me page of Tyler Cannon a Plymouth Police Officer Fundraiser for Julie Cannon by Kristi McCann : Help Tyler Cannon Plymouth Police Officer Fight Brain Cancer Interment will be at Holy Sepluchre, Southfield Michigan To share a memory, please use the share a memory tab on this webpage.

Mary Elizabeth Waling

May 4, 1923 - July 15, 2026