Mary Camilla Salenbien, age 97 of Dundee, MI, formerly of Maybee, MI, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
Born November 20, 1925 in Redford, MI, Mary was the daughter of the late Joseph and Julie (Gheldof) Vandecasteele. She married George W. Salenbien on her 18th birthday in 1943 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ida. Together they raised 8 children and celebrated 64 years of marriage before his passing on February 3, 2008.
Mary worked along side of her husband George on the family farm where they raised tomatoes, sweet corn, melons, and many other crops. After retiring, they enjoyed many years together golfing and 4-wheeling at their cabin up north. She was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Maybee and its Christian Mother's, and the Belgian American Club.
Mary is survived by 4 sons: George (Sandy) Salenbien, David (Lynn) Salenbien, Leon (Janet) Salenbien, and Jerry (Debbie) Salenbien, all of Dundee; 4 daughters: Judy (Dcn. George) Cousino of Temperance, Sue Kreps of Monroe, Margi Motylinski of Monroe, and Mary Ann (Tom) Wilcox of Maple City, MI; 42 grandchildren, 142 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was preceded in death by 2 grandchildren, Lee Salenbien, Jr. and Tammy Lloyd Motylinski; 2 great-grandchildren, Larry Kreps, III and Kylie Rogers; 3 sisters, Elizabeth Hoffman, Madeline Trawinski, and Gina Salenbien; and 2 sons-in-law, Larry Kreps, Sr. and Philip Motylinski.
Family and friends may visit from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29th at Bacarella Funeral Home where a Scripture Service will be led by Dcn. Mike Stewart at 6 p.m. Mary will lie in state at 10 a.m. the following day, Monday, at Divine Grace Parish (St. Joseph Catholic Church), Maybee Campus. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at 11 a.m. by the church pastor, Rev. Fr. Michael Woroniewicz, followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery, Monroe.
Donations in memory of Mary may be made to Dundee Volunteer Fire Department, Elara Caring Hospice, or Divine Grace Parish, Maybee Campus.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .