MARYANN L. HAKALA's Obituary
MARYANN L. HAKALA, 76, of Askel, MI. passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2009 in Lake Placid, FL. in the loving care of her daughter, Darlene. She was born in Holidaysburg, PA. on July 26, 1932 the daughter of the late Herbert and Helena (Marks) Baker. Maryann attended school in Holidaysburg, PA. and graduated in 1950. She married Jack Hakala on November 26, 1955 at St. Michael's Church in Holidaysburg, PA. He preceded her in death in 1999. Maryann worked for the Houghton School system in the elementary schools as a teachers aide until her retirement in 1997. She was a member of St. Anne's Catholic Church, Chassell, and the Chassell VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Maryann was a tireless worker in church and school activities. As a youngster she worked on the family farm in PA. More recently, she was a girl scout leader and enjoyed hockey games. Maryann loved the outdoors, walking in the woods, and observing and feeding wildlife. Animals seemed to sense her special bond with them.
Mrs. Hakala is survived by her loving children, Richard (Dani) Hakala of Houston, TX., Darlene (Vince) Forest of Lake Placid, FL., and Jackie Hakala of Askel, grandchildren, Alyson, Royce, Vincent, and Rocco, brother, Joseph (Dolly) Baker of Duncansville, PA., sisters, Kathryn Dutil of Holidaysburg, PA., Rose Smith of Holidaysburg, PA. and Edna Mae Yingling of Portage, PA., sisters-in-law, Elma Turpainen of Hancock, and Sophie Nedoli of Lake Villa, IL. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. She was preceded in death by her grandson Greg whom she raised as her own son in 2004, and a sister.
Funeral services for Mrs. Hakala were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L'Anse with Father George Maki officiating. Spring interment will take place in the Askel Cemetery. The family received friends on Monday, February 23, 2009 from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral chapel and on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Monday evening the Chassell VFW Auxiliary conducted a memorial service at 6:30 p.m. and a parish prayer service was held at 8 p.m. Following the funeral service the family invited friends to join them for fellowship and luncheon in the Harrington Gathering room, located at the funeral home.
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