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Jean E. Taavola

PAINESDALE — Jean Ellen Marie Taavola, 82, a resident of Painesdale, Michigan, passed away at St. Mary’s Hospital-Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, on Sunday, August 4, 2019, from heart surgery complications. Her family was by her side.

Jean was born in Calumet Township on May 4, 1937, a daughter of the late Andrew and Ida (Luukkonen) Maatta. Jean grew up in Toivola, attended the Heikkinen School in Toivola, and graduated from Jeffers High School in Painesdale, in 1955.

On October 15, 1955, Jean married Bruce R. Taavola in South Range. From 1955 to 1973, Jean & Bruce and family resided in Wakefield, and in 1973, made Painesdale their home.

Jean was a member of the Painesdale Apostolic Lutheran Church, taught Sunday School there for 30+ years, and was also treasurer of the Sunday School program. After the Painesdale Apostolic Lutheran Church merged with the South Range Apostolic Lutheran Church, Jean and Bruce became members of the Range Apostolic Lutheran Church. Jean was also a member of the Toivola Senior Citizens Club, serving as treasurer for many years. Jean “Grandma Jean” loved to bake. She baked the best pies, cookies, and pasties. In the summer months, she loved spending time in Misery Bay where she walked the beach and enjoyed the sunsets.

Jean had great faith and found comfort reading bible verses every morning. Playing Scrabble with her sister, Adele was one of her favorite past-times. Grandma Jean loved her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren dearly.

Surviving are Jean’s husband, Bruce, of Painesdale; son, Derek (Linda Schmidtman) of Marquette; daughter, Terry Wuorinen (Jerry Penegor) of Painesdale; son, Danny (Pam) of South Range; daughter, Lyn (Eric) Sauvola of Painesdale; grandchildren, Jordan (Sue) Wuorinen, Melissa (Greg) Weidert, Jenna Wuorinen (Dusty), Sarah Taavola (Joe), Danielle (Mark) Hendrickson, Brandon Taavola, Alyssa Taavola, Noah, Ariana, Adria, and Nadia Sauvola; nine great grandchildren; brothers, Wesley Maatta of Toivola and Melvin (Gertrude) Maatta of Hancock; sister, and best friend, Adele (Brian) Taavola; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Reino Maatta, Gordon Maatta; sisters, Irene Wills and Eva Maatta; and son-in-law, Donny Wuorinen.

Funeral services for Jean will be held at 3 pm, on Sunday, August 11, 2019, at the Range Apostolic Lutheran Church, in South Range, with Pastor Chuck Bylkas to officiate.

Friends may call from 1 pm until time of service.

Burial will be in the Toivola Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Range Apostolic Lutheran Church in Jean’s memory.

Arrangements are being handled by the Mountain View Mortuary of South Range, Antila Funeral Service, Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antilafuneral.com.