Obituaries

Marie Theresa (Bedore) Tietz, age 97, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed peacefully on March 2, 2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center – Sault. She was born on February 5, 1929, in Sault Ste. Marie, to Charles P. and Mary A. (Godin) Bedore.

Marie grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and graduated from Loretto Catholic High School. After graduating, she started her lifetime career at Michigan Bell Telephone Company. She soon met her future husband, A. Joseph Tietz, while he was stationed at Kincheloe Air Force Base. Following their marriage in 1954, Joseph and Marie moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Marie was able to transfer employment to the Georgia office with Michigan Bell to further her career. She worked as a secretary and thoroughly loved her job, for all thirty-nine years.

Joseph and Marie each retired in 1993 and moved to Sault Ste. Marie, residing in Sun-Glo Subdivision for several years. Finding winter, a bit difficult, they relocated to Tampa, Florida, in 2002. They would travel north to Sault Ste. Marie to spend each summer with family and friends. Marie loved her family, shopping, keeping her mind sharp with puzzles and word games, as well as enjoying the warm sunshine. She was always “on the go” and would never turn down a shopping trip or lunch date! She was “feisty” all the way to the end.

Joseph and Marie were married for sixty-three wonderful years, and they cherished the many years they had together.

During her summers, she continued to work a part-time job for enjoyment and socialization. She worked for Welch’s Boat Tours at the locks passing out flyers and as a museum guide at the Johnston House on Water Street.

Marie was the sole-survivor of the Charles and Mary Bedore family.

Marie is survived by many nieces and nephews; and brother-in-law, Gordon MacMaster.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband, A. Joseph; parents, Charles and Mary; siblings, Charles (Mary) Bedore, Maybel (Casey) Kusiak, Margaret (John) Kravis, Edward (Pearl) Bedore, Victor Bedore, Peter (Lorena) Bedore, Theodore (Honor) Bedore, Elizabeth (Art) Utecht, Raymond Bedore, and Harriett MacMaster.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 606 E. 4th Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow, beginning at 10:00 AM.

Marie’s final resting place will be at Riverside Cemetery in Sault Ste. Marie.

Memorial’s in Marie’s honor may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 606 E. 4th Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, or St. Mary’s Catholic Elementary School, 360 Maple St., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.

The family of Marie would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to McKinley Manor and all of its staff for the kindness, compassion, and care shown to her.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Sault Ste. Marie assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.