Mary Louise Tartal

Mary Louise (Palmer) Tartal celebrated her 83rd birthday on August 28th with several loved ones at her side. On Tuesday, September 8th, she passed away peacefully at Rose Arbor Hospice after a short illness. Mary was born to Linwood Willard Palmer and Mary Louise (Redford) Palmer in Richmond, VA in 1932. After her father's death in July of 1936, Mary's mother went to Baltimore in search of work, leaving Mary and her three older sisters to live with their Aunt Helen. After just a few months, the girls joined their mother in Baltimore where they attended school and got married. Mary married Edward A. Tartal, currently of Ft. Myers, FL, in 1952. She is survived by their oldest son, Michael J. Tartal of Tallahassee, FL, David W. (Marilyn) Tartal of Richmond, VA, Patrick A. Tartal of Kokomo, IN and Susan L. (Don) Olweean of Kalamazoo, MI. Also, ten grandchildren, and 7 great-grand children, including her newest great-grandson born the day before her passing. Her family is certain Mary made a visit to the Bronson NICU to meet Caelum Seth before continuing her journey home. She is also survived by her brother David (Fuji) Leahy, sister Betty (Palmer) Cox and many nieces and nephews whom she loved very much. Mary lived in Northern Indiana from 1963 until 1998 where she worked as a loan officer at Michiana Area Federal Credit Union. She moved to Kalamazoo in 1999 to be closer to her only daughter. She loved crocheting beautiful baby blankets and afghans for her family and friends and spending time with her grandchildren. Many blessed memories were made with Mary at birthdays, graduations, weddings and personal milestones. Cremation has taken place and per Mary's request, Internment will take place in Richmond, Virginia at a later date. We will miss her warm smiles and dancing blue eyes. May God bless her and the peace of Christ be upon her.