May Bako

Bako, May

Our wonderful mother, May Bako, passed away surrounded by family Friday, October 13, 2023, at the age of 90.  May was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend. She was a devoted Catholic who, up to a few months ago, said the rosary in honor of Mary, the greatest of mothers, every night before bed. May was a member of Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church serving through their women's guild in addition to being a strong supporter of the Jackson area Catholic schools. She leaves an incredible legacy of love behind.

May was born December 24, 1932, to Romeo and May Nantel in Detroit.  In her youth, her favorite thing to do was roller-skate and that is how she met the love of her life, Ernie when she tripped him on purpose to get him to notice her. From their union, an amazing family was created.

Mom was known for her fierce love of family, compassion for others, toughness, "I'll do it my way," attitude, and gambling (although not in that particular order).  She was a fighter for those who couldn't fight for themselves. This was due to her daughter Sherry's mental and physical challenges, which led her, along with our father, to be pioneers in the crusade for mental and physical disability services. She was a big supporter of Lyle Torrant, The Special Olympics, Lifeways, Hope Houses, Community Respite Center, and many other organizations.

Family meant EVERYTHING to May. Her dedication to her daughter, Sherry, was evident to all as she cared for her at home until May was in her 80s. Her children were her treasures as she showered them with love and support.  The love for her grandchildren led her to often say, "If I had known having grandchildren was this much fun, I would have skipped having children!"  All 15 of those grandchildren knew they were loved and cherished by her. Having great-grandchildren made May even more proud, especially her 13th one who will now keep the Bako name going.

"She was a legend."  "Your mom was my 2nd mom."  "Mrs. Bako taught me to not take crap from anyone." "She was always so kind and caring to me."  "She got me out of a lot of trouble." "I knew your mom was a spitfire from the first moment I met her." "She had such a bright smile and an enthusiasm for life." "She was the best. One of a kind." "She taught me how to barter…and win!"  "Her dedication to Sherry and the mentally and physically disabled community led me to getting involved as well." These are just a few of the comments that were sent to us regarding our mom. Many knew our mom as a force, someone who would not settle for less. She wanted the best for her family and for others. And to the chagrin of many, she often got it.

May's last few years of life were met with many challenges due to the onset of dementia and other physical disabilities. Dr. Patty Hoffman took care of mom for years. We so deeply appreciate her. Her neighbors, Diane McDonald and Julie Cassucio, were always available to help out and spend time with our mom. Terrie Broesamle and Andrea Kulhawik were wonderful caregivers and companions to her while she resided at home.  We will be forever grateful. Her last few months were spent at Adored Living in Clarkston, Michigan, with her loyal dog, Gino. Colleen and Dominick Heath and their crew of caregivers took exceptional care of our mom. Their knowledge, compassion and care filled her days with love and beauty. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for them.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest, her daughter, Sherry Bako, and her grandson, Jason Schonhard. She is survived by her son, Paul (Joan) Bako, daughters, Cindy (David) Knight, Terri (Rob) McEldowney, Denise (Mark) Schonhard and her beloved dog, Gino. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren; Libby (Jesse) Bako-Dornstreich, Kelly (Mike) Hanahan, Whitney Bako, Paulie (Brittany) Bako, Tori (Jake) Marsh, Kylie (Colin) Cole, Jacob (Christine) Knight, Corey (Taylor ) McEldowney, Ali (Jim) O'Donnell, Jocee McEldowney, Ryan (Kelsey) Schonhard, Madison, Raegan, and Jordyn Schonhard, and her great-grandchildren; Henley Hanahan, Benjamin and Evelyn Dornstreich, Calvin, Louis, Cecelia, and Eloise Marsh, Carson and Parker Cole, Nora and Sylvia O'Donnell, Olivia McEldowney, and Hudson Bako.

May is at the Desnoyer Funeral Home where a Prayer Service will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023 at 10:00 AM followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 AM at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church with Father Timothy MacDonald officiating. Interment will follow at St. John Catholic Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the Desnoyer Funeral Home on Thursday, October 19 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM with a Rosary Service at 7:00 PM.

Donations can be made to Lyle A. Torrant Center, 1175 W Parnall Rd, Jackson, MI 49201.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
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