Mary “Sally” Margaret Tellier
Holt, Michigan
Mary “Sally” Margaret Tellier, born January 24, 1934, gently departed this life, as her spirit was welcomed into her eternal home and reunited with the many loved ones who went before her — including her beloved husband. In God’s perfect timing, she was called home on July 7 — though her passing was officially recorded on July 8 — a detail she surely would’ve smiled at, knowing heaven runs on a different clock than the county.
Some of Sally’s happiest early memories were summers spent on a farm in Central Illinois with her mother, extended family, and her dear friend Linda Lindgren — a treasured bond that lasted a lifetime.
Sally walked through life with unwavering faith, kindness, and compassion. She began her journey of service as a Catechist at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Lansing, where she also taught CCD and shared her love of spiritual learning with young hearts. She later continued her faith-filled path as a devoted member of Cristo Rey Church. In addition to her religious teaching, Sally spent time as a substitute teacher, especially drawn to helping children with special needs, and eventually retired from a long and caring career in customer service at Sears and Roebuck.
While raising her family on Schafer Road, Sally formed lifelong bonds with neighbors who became like family. Perhaps her most endearing extended family formed at Wolf Lake, where countless summers with her beloved husband, Al, and their daughters were filled with tradition, laughter, and love. In her later years, she found yet another cherished community at Great Lakes Christian Homes in Holt, where she was deeply loved. Sally’s heart was always open to family, friends, and anyone she met along the way…and the love she gave will live on forever.
Surviving are her daughters, Michelle Tellier and Penny Tellier; grandchildren, Nichole (Chad) Funnell and Derrick (Julie) Zenker; great-grandchild, Dylan Zenker; and many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband Albert Tellier.
The Funeral Mass will be held at 4:00 p.m. Friday, August 8, 2025, at Cristo Rey Church, 201 W. Miller Road, Lansing. A private Rite of Committal will take place at a later date. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cristo Rey Church.
Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Holt/Delhi Chapel.
13 Messages to “Mary “Sally” Margaret Tellier”
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Micelle Hubbel
July 10, 2025 at 6:07 pmThoughts and prayers love and hugs for all. So sorry for yoyr loss Penny. Thinking of you always.
Chaplain Dan Johnson
July 10, 2025 at 7:17 pmSally was a beloved resident at Great Lakes Christian Homes retirement community. Cheerful and helpful, and a friend to all. I am grateful for the visit we had together just a few days before she passed. She will be greatly missed by residents and staff alike.
Mary Kay Lawrence
July 11, 2025 at 8:23 amSally was a member of a bible study group I joined when I first became a member of Cristo Rey. I was immediately taken by her sweetness, kindness, spirituality and her organization style. She cracked me up, made me laugh. Spending time with Sally was so enjoyable. I’ll cherish every moment, cup of coffee and cookie that she shared with me. What a delightful lady. Rest in paradise my sweet lady. Love you.
Linda Burnham
July 11, 2025 at 3:26 pmSally you are missed. I know you will Rip. We will see you again
Lynda Heinig
July 14, 2025 at 8:28 pmSally I loved seeing all of the great things you did with Penny and all you shared together on Facebook! You certainly seemed to embrace life and live in the moment! I know that you are safely in heaven, and if you see my mom, give her a hug for me.
Lynda Heinig
Julie and Jone
July 14, 2025 at 8:29 pmEven though I may have only met your Mom one time Penny, I see from this beautiful history of your Mom where you get your loving and caring soul from. Such a wonderful story to read about your Mom. So much of it rings true in my own household and it certainly seems like a small world at times. Your Mom is beautiful. I am so sorry for your loss and lots of hugs and love to you and all of your family. Rest in beautiful peace Penny’s Mom!
Cathy Moore Norton
July 23, 2025 at 10:31 amI was just thinking of Sally, remembering how kind she was to my mother ( and I) at Great Lakes. She was a wonderful person. I know she will be missed.
Linda Lindgren
August 1, 2025 at 11:33 amSally was my.very best friend. She had such a beautiful spirit and loved her church and her family. I send my love and prayers to you all. May we all meet in heaven one fine day. I know she is smiling down on all of us. God bless and keep you all always. You will be in my forever prayers.
Cathy Rendon
August 5, 2025 at 11:30 amWe moved into the neighborhood in 1983. Al and Sally were one of the first neighbors we got to know. Like them we went to Cristo Rey. Over the years we became more like family than just neighbors. We went through good times and bad together. I miss her dearly and think of her everyday. Sally, I know you are with Jesus in heaven and I know we will see you again some day. RIP Love you
Jamie Ortega Gonzalez
August 5, 2025 at 7:15 pmMichelle, Nichole and Derrick….. it sure has been a long time since I have seen you all! I hope you are all doing well. I will forever remember Sally because she is my godmother. Her and Al were my godparents when I made my first communion at Cristo Rey Church on South Washington. I am saddened to hear about her passing, I will forever cherish how sweet and welcoming she was. Growing up, she often remembered my birthday and would send a card in the mail with a couple of dollars to buy me a soda and candy, not to mention she always wrote my nickname on the inside of the card. I believe it was only her and my dad that ever called me by my real nickname which I will not put here lol. May you all rejoice that she is reunited with my padrino Al and will live everlasting life in God’s glory in heaven.
Linda Thrasher
August 6, 2025 at 12:01 pmI’ll always remember when you took the back way and walk down to see my mother (Jean Taylor) to smoke, and Sally smoked (True Blue cigarettes) because she was sneaking, Our house was always a open door) She got.my her first job! They carpool and she Loved my father (Ralph Taylor). Those were the good old days. I’ll cherish the memories. LINDA TAYLOR-THRASHER
Stacy Cochensparger
August 6, 2025 at 12:53 pmI feel truly blessed to have known Sal and her wonderful family for most of my life. She was one of the most genuine, caring, and joyful people I’ve ever met. I will always treasure the beautiful memories and special times at Wolf Lake. Her warmth and spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. I have no doubt she is in great company in heaven. My love, thoughts, and prayers are with your entire family during this time of loss.
Mickey Winchester-Heston
August 8, 2025 at 9:36 amI have had the privilege of knowing Sal for over 50 yrs. I can truly she was one of a kind. We have had so many laughs together and shed many tear’s together. Our times together at Wolf Lake will never be forgotten. Mick and Penny I’m so very sorry for your loss I know how much she love both of you and your family’s. Sal I will miss you. God bless you and your family.
Love you all so much.