Carrie Niemi

Obituary of Carrie Niemi Chassell Carrie M. Niemi, 98, a former resident of Chassell, passed away Sunday, May 2, 2004, at the Houghton County Medical Care Facility in Hancock, where she has been a resident patient for the past 1-1/2 years. Prior to that she has been a resident patient at Cypress Manor Nursing Home in Hancock, The former Carrie Moilanen was born in Toronto, Canada on July 1, 1905, a daughter of the late Lauri and Valborg (Turunen) Moilanen, She spent her youth in Columbus, Ohio, & Detroit, MI. Her mother was a seamstress and homemaker. Her father was, a Tailor and Lay Minister. Carrie was involved in gymnastics in school and carried a health conscous love of activity throughout her life. She enjoyed swimming, skating. tobaggoning, walking, yoga, and dancing, well into her senor years. She was a frequent swimmer at Suomi College, and was publically recognized for logging thousands of miles in the pool On July 25, 1929, she was married to Elmer "Red" Niemi in Detroit, and they resided in lower Michigan until moving to the U.P. in 1961. They lived in a quaint home on top of Pike River Road in Chassell with a view of the valley below. Together they traveled, played cards with friends, enjoyed the outdoors, and spent time with their children and grandchildren. After Red passed away on May 29, 1967, she lived alone and continued the activities she once shared with her husband. She never remarried, and remained in their home for many years tending to her vegetable garden, flowers, and her family. She had a pond put in so she could swim daily during the warm months & skate in the winter. Her Sisu and strong will gave her strength to deal with life's adversities. Her love for her family was devoute. Without fanfare she was always there for those she loved. Her stoic nature was her backbone, her colorful expressions of wit, was her light. At 98, most of her friends were gone, but those left behind will feel the void. That void will be filled with the love she left behind and memories of the life we shared with her. Carrie was a trailblazer before her time, a woman of courage and humor, and a feisty source of inspiration with a tender heart. Who knows how many lives she touched with the essence of her unique self? She was once a beautiful child who grew to become a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt. She will be forever beautiful, forever loved, and forever remembered. We will miss her! Carrie was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband, and grandson, Cary Kyro. Surviving are: 2 Daughters: Mrs. Joyce (Robert) Patterson of Royal Oak Mrs. Phyllis (Frank) Kyro of Chassell Her Grandchildren: Susan (Dr. Greg) Fortin and their children Jonathan, Christopher, & Sarah Kathy (Jim) Russell and their children Robert, Bryan, & Kyle Karen (Ron) Hofmann and their children Olivia, Wyatt, & Dylan Paul Newberry Kerry (Norm) Johnson and their daughter, Emily Ann Kris Kyro Linda Kyro and her children Alexa & Bill Pattison Frank (Katie) Kyro and their children Brendan, Blayd, Logan, Libby, & Finn Her Step Grandchildren: Sherry (Bob) Saarinen and their families Curt Kyro numerous nieces, nephews, & cousins Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 6, 2004, at 11 A.M. in the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church of Chassell with Rev. Dean Franz to officiate. Friends may call at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Chassell on Wednesday from 6 to 8 P.M. and from 10 A.M. until time of services at the church on Thursday. Family & Friends may visit www.memorialchapel.net to view Carrie's obituary and send condolances for the immediate family. To send flowers to the family of Carrie Niemi, please visit Tribute Store