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Gloria Oriana Karppinen

HANCOCK — Gloria Oriana Karppinen, 86, of Frenchtown, passed away on September 4, 2019, at Meadowbrook Medical Care Facility in Bellaire, where she had been a resident since July 2015.

Gloria, along with her twin sister, Victoria (Reynolds), was born in Little Traverse, on February 1, 1933, to Leonard and Hilma (Lasanen) Hamina who had seven daughters. Gloria attended the one room Copper Harbor School in Copper Harbor and graduated from Chassell High School. Out of school, she worked as a telephone operator for Michigan Bell. Once her children were older, she worked in various positions as well as serving as Quincy Township treasurer for 40 years.

In 1954, she and Robert (Bob) Karppinen were united in marriage and made Frenchtown their home, here they raised their three daughters. They had an incredible bond all through their married life. In later years, they worked together maintaining beautiful flower and vegetable gardens as well as their yard. Gloria was hard working, living, kind, and always supported and prioritized her family first. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting as well as summer picnics along the lakeshore and watching the beautiful snowfall in winter. She loved hanging clothes on her clothesline and, if needed, would even shovel a path through the snow in early spring to do so.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 60 years, Robert (Bob) Karppinen; sister, Virginia Soumis; and brothers-in-law, Robert Pyykkonen, David Weisbach, and Walter Soumis.

Gloria is survived by daughters, Deborah Karppinen (Ray Ellison) of Lansing, Denise (Donald) McNutt of Silver City, New Mexico, Diane (Jim) Nystrom of Charlevoix; and niece, Susan Ruby of Hancock. She left behind many great memories with her grandchildren, Daniel Ruzgis (Brian VanSickle), Kristina (Traywick) Anderson, Lauren (Bryant) Harris, Megan McNutt, Shannon (Edward) Klonowski, and Jordan (Monica) Nystrom. Her great-grandchildren, Trinity, August and Luna Anderson; Edward and Alexander Klonowski brought her much joy and many smiles; her five sisters, Agnes Pyykkonen, Elaine Weisbach, Victoria (William) Reynolds, Helen Swisher, and Arlene (William) Ensley. She deeply cared for her many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Per Gloria’s request, there will be no services. Take a moment to reflect on Gloria. If you wish, condolences may be sent to 9877 Quarterline Road, Charlevoix, MI 49720. Arrangements are being handled by Antila Funeral Service, Inc. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antilafuneral.com.