Mary Panks

Panks, Mary M. - of Swartz Creek, age 81, passed away Friday, December 23, 2022, at Bella Vita Senior Living. Funeral services will be held at 1PM on Tuesday, January 3, 2022, at the O'Guinn Family Funeral Home in Clio. The family will receive visitors at the funeral home on Tuesday from 11AM until the time of service. Cremation to follow. Mary's cremains will later be placed at the St. John Catholic Cemetery in Davison. In lieu of flowers please plant a memorial tree honoring Mary at www.oguinnfh.com or donate to the American Cancer Society.
Mary was born November 11, 1941, in Birch Run, Michigan, to the late Monica (Bondy) and Joseph Polzin and was lovingly adopted by her stepfather Jay Mills in 1958. Mary was a 1960 Davison High School graduate and proudly earned a scholarship from McLaren Hospital in Flint to attend Midland Hospital School of Nursing. She served as the President of her class and graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1968. During her forty-year nursing career Mary won notable awards and received many accolades for demonstrating excellent patient care and compassion. She enjoyed caring for others and made many long-lasting friendships with patients and coworkers.
When Mary wasn't in her kitchen baking tasty treats, preparing kettles of homemade soup, or canning cucumbers or tomatoes, she was busy attending to her flowers and vegetables. She was always making sure family, friends and neighbors were well-supported with love through gifts of food, conversation and unselfishly offering a helping hand. Mary's passion for baking, canning, and gardening will live on through her teachings with many family members and friends. Mary possessed a sincere gift of bringing people together and lifting others up by offering love and support with a smile and a story. Mary will be deeply missed by those who knew her.
Surviving are: Daughter, Monica (Timothy) Scott; Grandchildren: Austin (Melissa) and Zachary Birdsey, Sarah (Nick) Cobb, and Matthew, Meghan, Jonathan, Claire, Thomas, Charles, Maxwell, and Jane Scott; Brother, Max (Vivian) Polzin; Sister, Ann Lee; Best friend and loving companion, Laurel Hammond; Many beloved friends, cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her children: Sara and Edward Panks; Brothers: Don, Dean and James Polzin; Sisters: Joanne Hagerl, and Janis Szarenski. Please sign our guestbook or share an online condolence with the family at www.oguinnfh.com.
O'Guinn Family Funeral Home
Clio Chapel
810.686.5070