Beatrice Pearl (Myllymaki) Miilu

Beatrice Pearl Julia (Myllymaki ) Miilu - July 31, 1927- March 9, 2019

Goodbyes are being said for one of Rousseau’s lifelong residents.  Beatrice went home to be with the Lord on March 9, 2019 at Aspirus Long Term Care in Ontonagon, Michigan.  She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Irving, on May 25, 1999 and one grandson, Nathan Swartwood on June 24, 1984.  Beatrice was born to Erick and Beata Liisa (Knuutila) Myllymaki, pioneers of Rousseau, Michigan.  She was the youngest of 13 children who all preceded her in death:  Heidi, Ida Siren (Bill), Hilma Miilu (Sharkey Sorvari, John Miilu), Hilja Taro (Al), Sylvia Sorvari (Charles), Jennie Getzen (Jack), Eleanor Kiminki (Reino), Arthur Myllymaki (Sylvia Keranen), Willard Myllymaki (Helmi Keranen, Bernice Makela), John Myllymaki, Albert Myllymaki, and Raymond Myllymaki.

Throughout her years, Beatrice enjoyed many activities such as knitting, sewing, bingo, casino, flower gardening, snowmobile riding, but her main passion was cooking and baking.  Her life was about her children, family and friends. She enjoyed serving them in any way that she could.  Beatrice was outgoing and her friends knew her coffee pot was always on.  She worked at Northland Café, Gogebic-Ontonagon Community Action Agency as a board member and with the meals for senior citizens, and also as a volunteer for the Ontonagon County Cancer Association cancer drive for many years.  She was also active in many groups, such as PTA, Tops Club, Slimnastics, VFW Auxiliary and her local Wainola Church.

Beatrice will be missed by her beloved children:  Dennis Miilu, Connie Radovich (Ken), Bonnie Swartwood, Sandra Store (Dennis), five grandchildren: Mark Radovich, Traci Radovich Bishop, Jana Swartwood, Michael Swartwood, Kimberly Store Wintlend (Ryan) and three great-grandchildren:  Dylan Bishop, Emily Bishop and Claire Wintlend as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.  Beatrice was also considered as a second Mother to her children’s friends and her door was always open to them. Sunday morning coffee will missed by her children, family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Mass City on March 14, 2019 at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior to the service.  Burial will take place in the spring at the Rousseau Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Aspirus Long Term Care Activities Department at Aspirus Ontonagon Long Term Care, or the Wainola Lutheran Church.

The family will be forever grateful to the wonderful people at Aspirus Long Term Care who gave our Mother such warm, compassionate and loving care.

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