STREIT, Mary Ellen (Koenigsman) – of Davison, MI, age 88, peacefully passed away Friday, August 30, 2024 at her home surrounded by her loving family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 1 PM Friday, September 6, 2024 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 404 North Dayton Street, Davison, MI 48423; Rev. Fr. Andrew A. Czajkowski celebrant. Entombment immediately following the Mass in St. John Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive visitors 4-7 PM Thursday, September 5, 2024 at Allen Funeral Home, 9136 Davison Road, Davison, MI 48423 and 12-1 PM Friday, September 6, 2024 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. A Rosary will be prayed 7 PM Thursday, September 5, 2024 at Allen Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Christian Service, St. John Altar Society or St. John Music Ministry, in Mary Ellen’s memory.
Mary Ellen was born and raised on the family farm in Tipton, Kansas on August 26, 1936, the fifth of nine children, born to the late Edward and Veronica (Lutgen) Koenigsman. On June 7, 1958, Mary Ellen married her devoted husband, Leon Gerard Streit, in Tipton, Kansas. They enjoyed a full and loving life together until Leon’s passing on January 29, 2015. A proud graduate of St. Boniface Catholic High School, she was salutatorian of the Class of 1954. Mary Ellen’s journey took her from her rural roots to the bustling city life of Hastings, Nebraska, where she worked as a credit manager for Brown-McDonald Department Store. In 1961, the family’s move to Flint, Michigan, marked the beginning of a new chapter, as Leon took a position at Buick Motor Division. In 1964, Mary Ellen and Leon moved to Davison, MI, where she dedicated herself to her children and her church. Her passion for music and service was evident in her roles as past president of the St. John Altar Society and a 12-year president of the St. John Choir Committee. For 40 years, she and Leon shared their musical talents as cherished choir members. Mary Ellen’s creative spirit flourished as part owner of M & M Designs from 1985 to 1996, where she brought beauty to countless weddings and church celebrations. Known for her warmth and hospitality, Mary Ellen loved to entertain. Whether hosting sing-a-longs, annual Christmas parties, Wednesday night volleyball games, or casual Sunday cookouts, she made every gathering special with her welcoming smile, open door, and a cup of coffee or Coke for anyone who stopped by. Mary Ellen was the heart of her large, loving family. Her home was a haven for family pool parties, sleepovers, dance parties and random WWF wrestling matches. Her presence made everything extra special, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those she cherished. Mary Ellen is survived by her children, grandchildren, and a host of friends and family who will remember her with deep affection and gratitude for the joy and love she brought into their lives.
Mary Ellen is survived by 6 children, Sue (Rick) Overman, David Streit, Janie McComb, Sandy (Rodney) Hake, Janelle (Jeff) Cusenza and Stephanie (Ken) Slezak; son-in-law, Mark Bessac; 27 grandchildren, Garrett Overman, Michael (Karli) Overman, Chelsea (Jared) Quinn, Tyler (Casey) Overman, Nick Streit, Tony Streit, Sarah Streit, Jessica (Rocky) Gilbert, Courtney (Mario) Zamora, Nick (Caitlin) McComb, Ashley (Tommy) McQueen, Lindsay (Jarret) Brinker, Taylor Hake, Jordan (Megan) Hake, Ben (Taylor) Hake, Aaron Hake, Jacqueline (John) Danaho, Joseph Cusenza, Jillian (Jacob) Pruett, Justin Cusenza, Jason Cusenza, Brian (Meghan) Slezak, Matt (Jessica) Slezak, Emily (Trevor) Mosier, Jacob (Megan) Slezak, Brooke (Koehn) Bessac and Rob Bessac; 32 great-grandchildren, who adored their “GiGi”, Charlie, Lennon, Braylyn, Ellie, Brady, Mason, Avery, Jackson, Grant, Mia, Rhett, Brooks, Ella, Makenna, Aurora, Giuliana, Gabriella, Christian, Thomas, Lucas, Alexis, Ben, Owen, Caleb, Lauren, Noah, Emma, Lily, Luka, Laila, Myles and Eli; brother, Rick (Darla) Koenigsman; many other loving family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Veronica Koenigsman; husband, Leon Streit; 2 daughters, Elizabeth Streit and Lisa Bessac; son-in-law, Timothy McComb; grandson, Jeffrey Slezak; 7 siblings and many dear friends.
The family of Mary Ellen Streit would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to those who provided unwavering support and love throughout her life. A special thank you is given to her dear friends Lynn Seifert, Peggy and Jim Staudacher, Yvonne Masson, and Marianne Greiner whose kindness and companionship were a cherished source of comfort and joy for Mary Ellen. We also wish to express our deep appreciation to her devoted neighbors and lifelong friends, Barry and Chris Church, for their vigilant care and steadfast presence. Your thoughtful attention and watchful eye were invaluable to Mary Ellen and have left a lasting impact on all of us. Your support and friendship have been a testament to the strength of community and the enduring bonds of love. Thank you for being a part of her remarkable journey.