Mary Fauls

Mary Jane Fauls, 86, of Sterling Heights, went to her heavenly home Wednesday, January 23, 2012, after a long and full life. Born to William and Antoinette Aust on March 13, 1926, Mary Jane grew up in Detroit. She worked as a secretary at Heber Fuger Wendin in downtown Detroit for several years. In 1949, she married Joseph Fauls and together they raised three wonderful children. Mary Jane had many interests, including painting and stained glass work, and she enjoyed selling her wares at area craft fairs for several years. She had an affinity for jigsaw and crossword puzzles, and never stopped her pursuit of lifelong learning. She loved gardening, and had an extensive knowledge of plants and flowers. Coupled with her artistic gifts, she always had beautiful living things around her in her yard and home. Mary Jane?s first love was her family. She was a trusted confidant, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and she will be absolutely missed every single day. She was the treasured matriarch of the family and took great pride in the successes of her children and grandchildren ? and was delighted to become a great-grandmother one year ago. She showed great tenacity and strength to those around her, living through the Great Depression as a child and later through World War II. She was a living example to her loved ones of how to overcome great struggles with dignity and grace and a stubborn resolve to persevere. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Bill Aust, in 1952; her husband, Joe, in 1994; and her daughter, Anne Leach, in 1993. Surviving are her daughter, Julie Miller, of Washington Township; son, Tom (and Kathy) Fauls, of Troy; grandchildren, Sarah (and Zachary) Dahlman, of Grand Haven; Joe Fauls, of Howell, and Michelle Fauls, of Troy; and great-grandson Benjamin Dahlman, of Grand Haven. She also is survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Copeland, brother-in-law Jack Ahr, many cousins, nieces, nephews and her special four-legged friend, Boomer. A funeral celebrating Mary Jane's life will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Mandziuk & Sons Funeral Home, 3801 18 Mile Road (at the northwest corner of 18 Mile Road and Ryan), Sterling Heights. A luncheon will follow at the Olive Garden, 13835 Lakeside Circle, Sterling Heights. Visitation for family will 1-2 p.m. Sunday and for friends and family 2-9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Mary Fauls

March 13, 1926 - January 23, 2012