Norlene McAuliffe

She was born on Nov. 8, 1939, in Detroit, to Jennie and Walfred Aho.

Norlene is survived by: her three daughters, Brenda McAuliffe Kessler (Carl), Elizabeth McAuliffe Kear, and Rebecca McAuliffe Staples; nine grandchildren, Lindsey Kear, Austin Kear, Grant Kessler, Lauren Kessler Drawhorn, Samantha Kessler Diaz, Robyn Kessler Wentworth, McKenzie Staples Trombley, Jacob Staples and Gwendolyn Rash; and 10 great-grandchildren, Madeline Kessler, Sean Kessler, Jefferson Drawhorn, Charlotte Drawhorn, Eliza Wentworth, Shiloh Wentworth, Luca Diaz, Emilio Diaz, Saylor Trombley, and Crew Trombley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jennie and Walfred Aho; and her sister, Geraldene Aho Parrott.

After graduating from Dollar Bay High School, Norlene worked at Michigan Tech University where she met her husband J. David McAuliffe. They relocated to West Virginia in 1959 and started a family.

In 1970 the family moved to New York where she worked as a legal secretary, and later for Blythedale Children’s Hospital. She volunteered in many capacities throughout the years from working at the Westchester Food Pantry, scorekeeper at Yorktown Swim Team and teaching bible class.  

She was also the President at Beaveridge Senior Housing and at the Paramount Senior Living. In her later years she enjoyed painting, making jewelry and crafting. She was devoted to her family and Finnish heritage, embodying the spirit of “SISU” throughout her life.

A graveside service will be held in June at Maple Hill Cemetery in Lake Linden, near her childhood home. The officiant will be Pastor Jared Howard of Faith Lutheran Church, the church of Norlene’s childhood confirmation.  The Pearce Funeral Home in Lake Linden is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to the Finnish American Heritage Center, 435 Quincy Street, Hancock, MI, or online athttps://finlandiafoundation.org/donate/#makedonation.

Online condolences may be shared at pearcefuneralhome.com.