Mary Ellen (Short) Wright

Mary Ellen (Short) Wright, age 65, of Waterford, Michigan, passed away unexpectedly on September 30, 2025, at the University of Michigan Hospital.

Mary was born in Pontiac on November 9, 1959, the daughter of Howard Jennings and Louise Mary (Shenberger) Short. She grew up in the Pontiac area and graduated from Pontiac Central High School, Class of 1977.

On July 4, 1985, Mary married her childhood sweetheart, Mike Wright, whom she first met in middle school.

Mary dedicated over 40 years to her career as a dietitian, working for Restora in various General Motors plants and later for Oakland County at Children’s Village, retiring in 2019.

She loved her family deeply and cherished every moment spent with them. Mary enjoyed cooking and baking, but her greatest joy was her grandchildren.

Mary will be dearly missed by her loving husband and best friend, Mike Wright of Waterford; her daughter, Amanda (Kraig) Coatta of Waterford; four beloved grandchildren, Karter, Kyla, Franklin, and Lyla Coatta; three siblings, Patti Kidd of Waterford, Barbara McClellan of White Lake, and Mike (Sharon) Staton of Howell; many nieces and nephews; and her cherished cats, Jacob and Jackson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Louise Short, and two siblings, Sandy Zuck and Leroy Staton.

In accordance with the family’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of Mary’s life will be announced at a later date. Those wishing to honor her memory are asked to consider a contribution to the Oakland County Animal Shelter.

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