Sigrid Susanna Sirvio, 81, of Rockland passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, March 28 at home, following a battle lung cancer. It was the first time in many years that she missed the Jan Tucker Show. The world lost one of its biggest Cubs fans as well as a woman with a heart as big as Lake Superior and a soul just as deep and generous.

Siggie, as she was known to many of her friends, was born July 16, 1930, the daughter of Andrew and Alina Karjalainen. She grew up on a farm in Mud Creek, a shy girl who later laughed about how she had to repeat kindergarten because she wouldn't talk. She wasn't afraid of hard work. Despite her illness and the treatments she endured, she rarely complained and always had a good attitude. She made everyone around her feel care for. Siggie was one of those rare people who knew that people, and not material things, are what is important.

Siggie worked at Ross Bakery in Ontonagon and for many years as a cook at Wagar's restaurant. She was known for her great omelets an pancakes and always had a good time at work, as those who worked with her know. She continued to cook great meals until a few days before her death.

She loved to have a good time, whether it was working and singing her beautiful garden, caring for the many cats an dogs she rescued with her good friend,Barbara Ojanen, or going to the casino. She cooked the best pasties and the best Finnish biscuit. If you were lucky, you got to have one of her great roast beef Sunday dinners with the creamiest mashed potatoes and gravy that was never lumpy. Every year, she looked forward to the 4th of July family reunion and the Mud Creek reunion at Bob Lake.

She is survived by a daughter, Sharon Sirvio of Lehigh, Iowa; a sister, Ann Taurianen of The Villages, Florida; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, a great-great niece, and her friend of 42 years, Barbara Ojanen.

Sigrid was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Alma and Martha; and four brothers, Taito, Wilhart, Alfred and Henry.

Siggie will be missed by many people who were lucky enough to know her, an her pets, Willi, Hannah, Mama Meese an Mama Herald. She will be welcomed on the other side by many friends, family, and animal friends. She will probably greet them all by singing some of her favorite Finnish songs.

In Siggie's memory, have a Crabby Juice (whiskey and Pepsi) and adopt a stray dog or cat.

Godspeed, Siggie, me rakastan sinua.

Services for Sigrid will be held Tuesday, April 3rd at 1 p.m. at St. Paul's Methodist Church in Rockland. Friends may call from noon until the time of service.