Mary Catherine Miilu

Cassie (Mary Catherine) Miilu died unexpectedly and peacefully on August 23, at home with her family. Cassie was born on June 4, 1940, in Houghton to Dan and Mary (Latvis) Uotila. The family resided in Mass City. When Cassie was a young girl her mother died, and Cassie was then raised by her uncle and aunt, Tige and Sis Uotila. She graduated from the Mass High School in 1958 and had many fond memories of friends and fun in school: acting in class plays, playing clarinet in the band, and cheering on the Mass Rockets basketball team. She met her life’s love, Ronnie Miilu of Pequaming, while still in school. After briefly attending St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in Hancock, Cassie married Ronnie and they started a family. They celebrated 63 years of marriage in January.

Cassie was the long-time treasurer of Greenland Township, an office that enabled her to help many people in lots of different ways. She was well known for her cooking and baking skills, particularly nisu, pies, and pasties. She believed in putting family first and loved many of the simple things in life—growing flowers, baseball, hummingbirds, a good cup of coffee, country music and, most of all, reading fiction. Cassie was a member of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Greenland until it closed.

Cassie is survived by her husband, Ronnie, and children Kay (Bill) Tislar of Twin Lakes, Mary (John) Wagner of Mass City, and Jim of Mass City. She is also survived by three grandchildren who were her pride and joy: Cassandra, Ronnie, and John Wagner; sister Fran Anttila of Mass City; and sisters-in-law Sandra Uotila of Mass City and Judy Testen of L’Anse; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Cassie was predeceased by her parents, in-laws, stepmother Rita Uotila, the brother whom she loved so dearly, Mike Uotila, and an infant brother.

In accordance with Cassie’s wishes, no formal services will be held. The family would like to thank the Greenland Township Fire Department, Sonco Ambulance, the Ontonagon County Sheriff’s Department, and Cane Funeral Home for their professional and caring assistance.

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