ISHPEMING, MI - Esther Katherine Morcom, age 95, of Ishpeming, died February 22, 2016 at her daughter's home in Negaunee while under the loving care of her family and Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice.

She was born on May 3, 1920 in Ishpeming, Michigan to Martha (Kytosaari) and William Ostola. Esther graduated from National Mine High School, Class of 1938. She was employed by the H.W. Gossard Company in Ishpeming for a few years and then stayed home and raised her family in the home that she and her husband built. She was a member of the Bethel Lutheran Church and had taught Sunday School in her home for several years.

She loved watching Wheel of Fortune and old episodes of Mash, The Andy Griffith Show and Lawrence Welk. She loved to take long Saunas and walks down the camp road with her walking stick picking blueberries. Esther was the happiest when she was surrounded by family and friends where she always insisted on putting out homemade goodies and coffee. Esther enjoyed making carpets on her looms which she would often give away.

Throughout her life she took many trips, which included a trip to Finland to visit family. Esther was proud of her Finnish heritage. It was her Finnish "Sisu" that kept her going for 95 years. She loved to dance and was often seen on the dance floor with her grandson Steve.

She is survived by her son Robert Morcom of Ishpeming, daughter Gail (Lee) Mattson, of Negaunee, three grandchildren - Steve (Linda) Mattson, Tami (Mark) Ketchem and Gary Mattson, seven great grandchildren - Jessica (Chris) Warner of Grand Rapids, MI, Ashley Mattson of Appleton, WI, Megan Mattson of Ishpeming, Samantha and Zachary Dymond of Ishpeming, Jake Ketchem of Marquette and Kalli Mattson of Negaunee, 2 great-great grandchildren - Kayden Dymond of Ishpeming and Cydney Warner of Grand Rapids, sister Eileen Brooks Laitinen, brother Ensio (Marie) Ostola, sisters-in-law Olive Solomon and Sandy Ostola all of Ishpeming and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins both here and in Finland. She was preceded in her death by her husband Robert Morcom, sister Ellen Hill, brothers - Edlund "Jussie" Ostola and Eugene "Jug" Ostola.

Esther's family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00am until 12:00noon on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at the Bethel Lutheran Church where a memorial service will follow at 12:00noon with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate. Interment will take place at Northland Chapel Gardens. A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial considerations may be directed in her name to the Bethel Lutheran Church.

Esther's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.

The funeral service recording, when it becomes available, can be found here .