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Sallie Mae Carto
Sallie Mae Carto, 82, of Ludington, passed away Thursday, May 15, 2025 following a 15-year battle with lung cancer. She was born January 15, 1943, in Ludington, the youngest child of Earl and Lavona “Bonnie” (Todd) Carto.
Sallie graduated from Ludington High School in 1961. After graduation, she attended Central Michigan University and was selected by TWA to become a stewardess. She worked for TWA as a flight attendant for over 30 years, including after it merged with American Airlines in 2001. She lived in California – Morgan Hill, Placerville and San Jose – in the 1970s and 80s, driving back and forth to the San Francisco airport in her cherished Karmann Ghia convertible. She moved back to Ludington in the 1990s to be closer to family.
After moving back, she devoted much time and energy into reconnecting with classmates and friends, and enjoyed planning monthly luncheons and events for that group for many years. She loved animals, and cared for numerous cats and dogs throughout her life. Her most recent beloved dog, Winston, lived for 18 years, passing away only last fall. She was a hospital volunteer for several years, worked to TNR the colony of cats she provided care for, and was a member of the Methodist church. She took up the piano as an adult, and loved to play for relaxation. An avid photographer, she took many photographs of the outdoors and nature. She also enjoyed flowers and spending time maintaining her yard.
Sallie is survived by: her sister, Carol (Carto) Bernson; her niece’s family, Jill (Bernson) and Matthew Weigle, and their children Noah and Eliana Weigle, and Nicholas Weigle.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Robert Dale Carto, and her brother-in-law, John Daniel Bernson.
In accordance with Sallie’s wishes, cremation has taken place and she will be buried in the family’s plot at Lakeview Cemetery. A memorial gathering for family and friends to celebrate her life is being planned for later this summer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Community Cats TNR, PO Box 384, Ludington, MI 49431.
Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Pere Marquette Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.
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