Barbara Jean Maki

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Leo Maki of Chassell. She is survived by her sisters Mildred Grzelak and Ruth (Robert) Shephard. She raised three children: Derek (Patricia) Calomeni, Pamela (Glen) Addis, and Anthony (Amy) Calomeni. She was grandmother to Jake (Deana), Taylor, Johnathon, Sophia, and David. Her many cousins include the children of Alvin and Verna (Riutta) Johnson, Stanley and Marie Alice Skoviak, Reino and Alma Erickson, and Adele (Dolly) and Doug Masters. Her cousin Keijo (Airi) Hautam–ki, with whom she visited and corresponded, resides in Helsinki, Finland.

Barbara was an avid reader, a Lutheran, and a lifelong Democrat, specifically supporting women’s rights and equal rights. She was appreciative of her Finnish heritage and the incredible journeys, hardships, and good fortune her immigrant tenant farmer ancestors (Savilaakso, Jakobsson, Ollila, and Ruohonen) made to get to Houghton. Additionally, Barbara was a talented artist who painted, designed houses and gardens, enjoyed classical music and operas, and was always drawn to the color turquoise. Her favorite bird was the Great Blue Heron and favorite flower the Wild Iris. In later life, she enjoyed cats and birds.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christ Lutheran Church, Vienna, or First Lutheran Church Food Pantry, Parkersburg.

Cremation is provided by Leavitt Funeral Services and Crematory, Parkersburg. A memorial service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, Vienna at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Houghton at a future date. The family thanks Willows Center in Parkersburg and Amedisys Hospice Services in West Virginia.