Lynne Irene Thomas

Lynne Irene Thomas, aged 88, of Mt. Pleasant, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, at Rosebush Manor. Born on January 7, 1938, in Grand Rapids, she was the beloved daughter of the late Chester and Mildred (Tiggleman) Kolenda. Lynne was the third of six children, growing up alongside her siblings Tom, Ric, David, Michael, and Peggy.

She attended Greenville Schools, where she met Arthur McAllister, the father of her three children: Teresa, Nanette, and Juli. Lynne's career included roles as a cashier at Central Michigan University, A & P Grocery, and Farmer Jack's, culminating in her position as the office manager at Millbrook Water Company, from which she retired in 2020.

Lynne was a woman of many passions. She loved singing and performed at numerous weddings, with 'Sunrise, Sunset' holding a special place in her heart. An avid fan of Elvis, she also enjoyed dining at the Pixie Restaurant, bowling, and reading. Her community involvement included membership in the VFW Post 3033 and active participation in Sacred Heart Parish, where she served as a lector and eucharistic minister.

Known for her infectious laugh and generous spirit, Lynne was a social butterfly who made friends wherever she went, including her favorite spot, the Nail Parlor. She will be remembered for her loving, non-judgmental, and open-minded nature.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Teresa (Stephen) Tapper of Stoughton, MA, Nanette (Randy) Ostrander of Hersey, and Juli (Kirk 'Corky') Arndt of Beal City; five grandchildren, Jacob (Lourdes 'Lulu') Tapper and Rachel Tapper and Tony Beurkens IV, Jeramie (Tina) Beurkens, and Crystal (Nate) Busscher; great grandchildren, Joshua, Eli, and David Tapper, Anthony Beurkens V, Caden Beurkens, and Hunter, Mason, and Kennedi Busscher; step grandchildren, Chadwick Arndt, Amber (Richard) Maslanka (and their children Halle and Mallory); siblings, Michael (June) Kolenda of Pennsylvania and Peg (Rick) Machuta of Wyoming, MI; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Chester and Mildred Kolenda; and siblings, Tom (Grace) Kolenda, Ric Kolenda, and David Kolenda.

A Funeral Mass for Lynne will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, February 13, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Father Dan Christe will preside. Her cremains will be interred at Calvary Cemetery following the Mass, concluding with a luncheon at Lincoln Reception Center. The family will receive friends at Lux Funeral Home of Mt. Pleasant on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. Visitation continues at the church on Friday one hour prior to Mass.

In great appreciation of the love and care that was shown to Lynne, memorial contributions may be made to Rosebush Manor where she was a resident the past two years.