Mary Allison Fortino

Mary Allison Fortino, age 66, of Swartz Creek, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 9, 2025, at McLaren Flint. Surrounded in love by her family. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and community that will be cherished by all who knew her. 

Mary was born on November 13, 1958, in Flint, Michigan the daughter of the late James and Elizabeth (Beattie) Ward. Graduating from Swartz Creek High School with husband David, together in the class of 1976, Mary embarked on a fulfilling career as a Legal Administrator working alongside long standing Davison Judge for over 23 years. Her dedication extended to then oversee Genesee County 67th District Court Jury Board, where her contributions were invaluable. Retiring from the Jury Board after 10 plus years, leaving a mark on several lives, that remember her to this day.  

Mary was not only a professional but also a devoted family member. She was united in marriage to her beloved husband, David Fortino, on October 20, 1979, in Swartz Creek. Together, they raised a beautiful family. Mary was a strong-willed, outgoing, and fearless mother, always putting her children first. She was a great hands-on mother who made sure to be present for every milestone. Her daughter, Allison and son, Nicholas, carry forward her spirit of love and support. 

Mary’s passion for life was as vibrant as her personality. She made friends wherever she went, leaving a warm impression on everyone she encountered. Her love for music and performance shone brightly; she enjoyed community theater, like her lead role as Golda in The Clio Cast and Crews performance of “Fiddler on the Roof”. Her immense joy for music and singing, are what made her days happy and life fun. Mary often declared her dream of performing in a smoky Chicago bar beside a piano singing and sharing her love of music with others.

The family would like to express genuine gratitude, to all the medical professionals in Genesee County who were able to extend her life for over 20 years.  

She is survived by her husband David Fortino; her children, Allison Fortino (partner Carl McMurray) and Nicholas Fortino (fiancée Anna Winkowski); her sisters, Christine (James) Springer of Virginia Beach, Crystal (Richard) Thompson of Utah, and Janis (Mark) Holland of Idaho. Mary was preceded in death by her father, James Ward, her mother, Elizabeth Ward, and her sister, Pam Looney. 

A memorial gathering in honor of Mary will take place on Saturday, January 18, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com