Mary Ellen (Millyard) Needham

Mary Ellen Needham, age 82, passed away peacefully early Monday morning, December 1, 2025, in Harbor Springs, Michigan. Born in Tecumseh, Michigan on June 26, 1943, to the late Helen J. (Zimmer) and Edmund J. Millyard, she was a lifelong resident of Britton, Michigan. She graduated from Britton High School in 1961 where she was class Valedictorian. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Karen L. Rimer, and four young siblings who did not reach adulthood.

She is survived by her husband, Ernest B. Needham, with whom she recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

She is also survived by her daughter, Lisabet Canzano (Matt); grandson, Ian Heinkele (Heather); niece, Christine Williams, nephews, Jeffrey and Phillip Rimer; grand-niece, Anna Williams; grand-nephews Nick and Jeffrey Rimer; and cousin, Nancy Evseeff.

She will be remembered for the simple joys she embraced in life: tending her garden, caring for her cats, and spending time on the water. These were the things that brought her comfort and peace.

According to her wishes, there will be no formal service. Family will gather in the spring to scatter her ashes.

Those wishing to honor her memory may make a donation to the Lenawee County Humane Society.