Geraldine E. (O'Connell) Anttila passed away on Friday, November 9, 2007, at Ontonagon Memorial Hospital after an extended illness. Geraldine was born on June 17, 1926 in Greenland, Michigan.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Gertrude (Amos) and Robert O'Connell; husband, Brenolf W. Anttila; sons John Thomas and Dean Robert; daughter Mary Lee; sisters M. Catherine (Sis) Uotila, Margaret (Mickey) Vezzetti, Lenore Ruzziconi; brothers Ben O'Connell and Robert O'Connell; and son-in-law James Juntunen.

Geraldine is survived by her sister, Shirley Savela of Greenland; sons William Anttila (Pam) of Mass City, Joseph Anttila (Nona) of Toivola, and Donald Anttila (Carole) of Wasilla, Alaska; daughters Jane Juntunen of Greenland, Evelyn Good (Dave) of Chelsea, and Nora T'Niemi (Bill) of Mundelein, IL.

Grandchildren include Lee Ann Sullivan, Green Bay, WI; David Juntunen (Alison), Lodi, WI; Stacey Anttila (Scott), Chelsea; Mary Kay Rouse (Chris), Green Bay, WI.; Barry Anttila, Paw Paw; Lynn Perez (Efrain), Anne T'Niemi, and Emily T'Niemi, all of Mundelein, IL; Clare Loveless (Jim), Pelkie; Wade Kolehmainen (Angie), Toivola; Amber Kolehmainen, Phoenix, AZ; Edward Anttila, Warren; Brenda Anttila and Jonah Anttila, Toivola; and granddog Muffin Anttila, Wasilla, AK.

Great grandchildren include Stephanie and Sara Hirvela, Mikayla and Trevor Sullivan, Tori Rouse, Bella Perez, Alyssa and Janel Juntunen, Cullen Lindsay, and Edward Anttila. Numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors also survive.

Geraldine was a lifelong member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Greenland, where she was active in the Bishop Baraga Guild for many years. She also served in the VFW auxiliary, Veterans Memorial Committee, Cemetery Association, Mass City Centennial Committee, Greenland Township Election Board, and as trustee for Greenland Township. She is the author of A Walk Through Greenland, which captured her memories of Greenland through the 30s and 40s.

Geraldine graduated from Greenland High School in 1944. On December 28, 1944, she married Brenolf W. Anttila. She was a devoted Irish Catholic matriarch, who treasured her friends and loved her family, her community, and her country with her whole heart and soul. Geraldine remembered everything in epic detail... from her childhood days in the bustling town of Greenland to every USO dance, township election, softball tournament, church bake sale, and Thanksgiving dinner.

Her life's work, and her greatest pride, was raising her family on Horseshoe Bend in Mass City in the home that she and husband, Brenolf, built. She was happiest rocking a child in her arms, singing with a voice that remained strong and beautiful until her last days. Geraldine was an incredible cook, who always had something delicious to share with you at her kitchen table. Geraldine was a great blessing who will live on and love on through her family and friends.

Graveside services will be held on Monday November 12, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Maple Grove Cemetery in Greenland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Geraldine to the Greenland Sesquicentennial Committee.