Leona Burkman (Moilanen)

Obituary of Leona G. Burkman Houghton Leona G. Burkman, 90, a former resident of the Houghton Canal District and presently a resident of Arbor Green Senior Apartments passed away Tuesday morning January 24, 2012, at the Marquette General Hospital where she had been a patient since this past Sunday. She was born March 1, 1921, in Hancock a daughter of John and Minnie (Tapio) Moilanen. Her father John passed away when Leona was just an infant and she was raised by her mother and stepfather Albert Morin. Lee was a graduate of the Hancock High School with the class of 1939. On October 28, 1939, she was united in marriage to Paul Burkman. The couple lived in Stanton Township where Lee resided until 2005 when she moved to Arbor Green . Paul preceded Lee in death on June 22, 1993. Leona was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church being active with the Quilters of the church and various committees. She was the former president of the Stanton Senior Citizens, a former president of Ladies Eagles Aerie #1122 of South Range, past member of the American Legion Post 186 Ladies Auxiliary of Hancock, and a long-time 4-H leader. Leona was affectionately called Nana by her family and close friends. She knit socks and mittens, baked and decorated many cakes for family and friends, and made wonderful home-made bread. She touched many lives and always stayed connected with family and friends. Preceding her in death were her husband, her parents, her son-in-law, Dan Cooney, her brothers, Earl & Kenneth Morin, her step-sister, Ellen Salinas and her step-brother, Albert Morin Jr. Surviving are: Her children: Barbara Patterson of Langley, B.C. Paul (Margaret) Burkman of South Range Sandra Cooney of Houghton Debra (Rod) Guilbault of Houghton 11 grandchildren: Michelle, Nancy, Christina, Robert, Scott, John Paul, Craig, Jason, Ross, Michael and Christopher. 18 great grandchildren Her brother: Douglas (Anne) Morin of South Range Her sister: Lucille (Hubert) Marchand of Sheboygan, WI Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins Funeral Services for Leona will be held 10 am Friday January 27, 2012 at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock with Pastor Clay Hilman to officiate. Spring burial will be in the Oskar Cemetery. Friends may call on Thursday January 26, 2012, at the Memorial Chapel Funeral home of Hancock from 4 to 8 pm and on Friday from 9 am until time of services at the church. Memorial donations may be made to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Hancock, MI or the American Legion Post 186 Ladies Auxiliary Veterans Assistance Fund, or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock. To view Leona's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. To send flowers to the family of Leona Burkman, please visit Tribute Store