Hanna Lupan

Johanna was born to Finnish immigrant parents, John and Alma (Saari) Marttila, on the family farm in Liminga, MI on March 11, 1922. Hanna was the ninth of 14 children. Finnish was her first language and she was the embodiment of Finnish “sisu.”

Hanna was raised on the family farm in an atmosphere of discipline, hard work, fun, Christian charity and love. She carried these values into her adult life.

Hanna graduated from Hancock High School in 1939. After relocating to Detroit for work, Hanna married Nicholas Lupan on November 11, 1950 and they made their first home in Troy. In 1967 they purchased the Holiday Park Motel in St. Ignace, relocated there and operated the motel for the next 28 years. Nick and Hanna raised two nieces, Betty and Shirley. The Lupan doors were always open to family and friends.

Hanna came from a hardy gene pool as she stayed physically active well into her senior years. She did the Mackinac Bridge Walk 31 times. She enjoyed all kinds of physical activity and the outdoors including golf, walking, bowling, skiing and aerobics.

Hanna enjoyed travel including to Finland to see relatives. She stayed mentally vigorous by watching Jeopardy, doing crossword puzzles, playing pinochle and winning at Scrabble. Hanna always greeted one with that wonderful Yooper “helloooo (followed by your name)” and a cozy hug.

Upon her death, loving nieces and nephews described her as “a national treasure,” “a force of nature,” “zesty,” a “can do” lady and someone who “taught us what a woman could be.”

Hanna was an active member of Straits Evangelical Free Church in St. Ignace. She was the organist and was always willing to help and contribute when needed. Her pasties and prune tarts were a favorite at potlucks and of her family.

She had resided at Evergreen Living Center (ELC) St. Ignace since 2017. She enjoyed life but talked about ELC being the last stop between here and Heaven. Hanna looked forward to reaching her final destination, reuniting with Nick, her birth family and her sweet Jesus!

Hanna is survived by one sister, Laila Evans of North Carolina, and one brother, Raymond (Juliana) Marttila who resides on the family farm in Liminga. She is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces including Shirley Morosky, Finnish cousins, and close friends John and Debbie Garcia and family.

Hanna was preceded in death by her husband Nick in 2001, her parents and 11 siblings.

A service to celebrate Hanna’s life is being planned for Saturday, June 10, 2023 in St. Ignace, MI at Straits Evangelical Free Church. Burial will follow at Gros Cap Cemetery. Galer Dodson funeral home, St. Ignace, is assisting the family with arrangements