WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
MaryAnn (Kaminski) Tironi, a long-time resident of Three Rivers, died on Friday, Nov. 24, 2017 in Holland, Michigan, at the age of 85.
MaryAnn was born in 1931 in Hamtramck, Michigan. Her father, Edmund, was a tool and die maker, and her mother Anna was a homemaker. MaryAnn had one sister, Geri Migan.
The Kaminski family moved from Hamtramck to Detroit when MaryAnn was a child. Edmund built a summer cottage at Bald Eagle Lake in Ortonville Michigan, where MaryAnn loved to swim, fish and row. MaryAnn was an avid reader and loved to read on her rowboat, and in the cottage on rainy summer days.
MaryAnn attended Immaculata High School, graduating in 1949. Her artwork and creative writing earned praise, and she enjoyed playing the piano and acting in school plays. After high school graduation MaryAnn worked as secretary and took classes at the University of Detroit.
MaryAnn met her beloved husband Joseph P. Tironi at a church dance in Detroit, and recalled that they slow danced to “Tenderly” that night. After they married, MaryAnn supported Joe while he attended the University of Detroit School of Dentistry. After dental school the couple moved to Leavenworth, Kansas, and finally to Three Rivers, where Joe established a dental practice.
Devoted to helping the underserved, MaryAnn accompanied Joe to Guatemala and on numerous trips to St. Lucia, to support his work performing charity dentistry. MaryAnn enjoyed working in the business office at St. Jude Hospital in St. Lucia, where she helped solicit donations of medical equipment and supplies. However, her favorite volunteer work was in the pediatrics unit at St. Jude. MaryAnn loved to talk to the children and to purchase books for them. She had a knack of finding books that were just right for each child, especially for the children who told her they didn’t like to read!
In addition to raising three daughters, MaryAnn worked part time in real estate and took classes in interior design. She was active in the Women’s Club and at Immaculate Conception Church, where she served on the school board, taught high school religion classes with Joe, and was a member of the Daughters of Mary. She loved gardening, reading, and quilting.
An automobile accident in 1989 left MaryAnn and Joe severely injured. After the accident, MaryAnn and Joe found new hobbies that they could enjoy together despite their disabilities, such as collecting antiques. MaryAnn especially enjoyed collecting antique toys.
MaryAnn is survived by her daughters Lisa, Paula and Angela, five grandchildren, and her sister Geri.
A memorial service will take place at a time and date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Three Rivers Public Library.
A Memorial Mass for Mr. and Mrs. Tironi will be celebrated at 11:00am Saturday, December 2, 2017 at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, 480 152nd Ave., Holland.
