Miriam Irene Kipina

She was born in Hancock on February 13, 1936, to Waino and Irene Riutta, and remained a life-long resident of the Copper Country except for three years spent living in the Detroit area during the 1960s.

Miriam was a graduate of Hancock Central High School class of 1954, attended Emmanuel Missionary College in Berrien Springs, Michigan, and later graduated from the Michigan Technological University School of Nursing which was one of her proudest achievements. Devoting her life to the care and comfort of others, she worked as a nurse’s aide at St Joseph’s (Portage View) Hospital and, upon receiving her nursing degree, as an RN at Cypress Manor, Keweenaw Home Health Services and several local physicians’ offices.

Miriam was united in marriage to Ernest “Ernie” Kipina in Laurium, Mich., on August 28, 1957.

An active member of the Houghton Seventh-day Adventist Church, she served in many capacities throughout the years including Treasurer, Head Deaconess, Sabbath School teacher and alternate pianist. Miriam was a former member of the Michigan Nurses Association and the Doelle Senior Citizens Center. She enjoyed sewing, baking and sightseeing with Ernie in their travel trailer. She never lost her love for reading and solving crossword and other types of puzzles.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a daughter, Martha Lynn Kipina; brothers, Donald and David Riutta; and sister, Florence” Betty” Vitton.

Miriam is survived by son, Paul (Beth) Kipina of Oswego, Illinois; daughter, Ann Kipina of Chicago Illinois; brother, Edwin (Dawn) Riutta of Kingsford; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorials may be designated to Little Brothers, Friends of the Elderly in memory of Miriam. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date with interment to be in the Mountain View Cemetery in South Range.

Arrangements are being handled by Jukuri-Antila Funeral Home of Hancock, Antila Funeral Service, Inc. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antilafuneral.com.