Mary Ann Wittlieff

Mary Ann Wittlieff, 72, of Buchanan, passed away Thursday, November 17, 2016, at her home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 A.M. on Wednesday, November 23, 2016 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Father Arthur Howard officiating. Burial will follow at a later date at Glendora Cemetery in Buchanan. Friends may visit with the family from 5 P.M. until 8 P.M. on Tuesday, November 22, 2016, at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the family, c/o Phillip Wittlieff.  Those wishing to sign Mary Ann’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Mary Ann was born June 18, 1944, in Manistee, MI, to Francis & Lucille (Pachesney) Franckowiak. She married Phillip Wittlieff on May 7, 1966, at St. Joseph Church in Manistee. Mary Ann was the President of 5 O’clock Sport’s Bar and Restaurant and was also on the Board of Review for Weesaw Township. She loved politics and making crafts, such as crocheting and ceramics. She also enjoyed collecting angels. Most of all she loved being a grandma. Mary Ann had a passion for telling stories about her life experiences. One of her favorite stories to tell was when she joined the Navy for a week and sailed with the USS Jason from Hawaii to San Diego. She quickly made friends with everyone on board, and before long was directing the crew of the ship including the Captain. Mary Ann is survived by her husband, Phillip; children, Kevin Wittlieff of Baroda, Brent (Tracy) Wittlieff of West Olive, MI, Elaine (William) Harte of Baroda and Michael (Kaylie) Wittlieff of Benton Harbor; and grandchildren, Alissa & Ryan Harte and Gunnar & Konrad Nitz. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her parents and two siblings, Charlotte Wolf and David Franckowiak.