Republic-Fedora Fowler, age 86, of 293 Hemlock St. in Republic, died peacefully on February 5, 2008, at the Mather Nursing Center.

Fedora began her earthly journey on March 28, 1921, in Capistrano, Italy. She was born to Vincenzo and Adalgisa Di Iulio. Her father came to America and worked in an iron mine in Iron Mountain. On November 11, 1922, Fedora and her mother arrived on Ellis Island and they joined her father in Iron Mountain. November 11th was always a celebrated day in their family because they were so happy to be in America.

On March 8, 1944, Fedora married Milburn "Nibs" Fowler. Together they raised three children, James, Mary Ann, and William. They settled in Republic, where Fedora became involved in many community service activities. Among her numerous projects, one was very dear to her heart. This was the establishment of the St. Vincent de Paul store. Together with Gerry Gardner, she helped to develop the store with the philosophy of serving those in need. Making money was not as important to her as helping others.

Fedora was also very proud of her involvement with the Republic-Michigamme School Board. She enjoyed attending school activities and was a loyal "Hawks" fan! Fedora was a founding member of the Republic Community Service and Youth Organization, a member of the V.F.W Auxiliary and the Republic Historical Society. In July of 2007, she was humbled by her recognition of community service in the Ethnic Day Parade.
Fedora was an active member of St. Augustine's Parish, but greatly respected the other faith communities in Republic. She enjoyed attending programs in the Bethany Lutheran, Methodist, and First Baptist Churches.

Survivors include her children: James and daughter-in-law Sue, MaryAnn and son-in-law James Zawlocki, William and daughter-in-law Bonnie, her grandchildren: Theresa Fowler, Heather (Manuel) Gendron, Matthew (Cheryl) Fowler, Tara (Ben) Vollmer, and Jon (Tonia) Zawlocki, her great-grandchildren: Breanna, Joshua, Allyssa, Julia, Jaegan, Joslyn, Carter, and Anna, her brother: Wildo and sister-in-law Rosalie Di Iulio, her sisters: Norma Johnson, and Dina Isoz, her brother-in-law Ray and sister-in-law Sue Fowler, and brother-in-law Len Tambling, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Milburn, and parents Vincenzo and Adalgisa Di Iulio, her brothers and sisters-in-law, James and MaryLouise Fowler, Millard and Lydia Fowler, Frances and Al Corsi, Aileen Tambling, and Howard Johnson.

The family will greet friends and relatives from 11:00AM until 1:00PM on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at the St. Augustine Catholic Church in Republic. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00PM at the church with Rev. Fr. James Challancin officiating.
Interment will take place at the Republic Cemetery in the spring.

Success
To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others;
To leave the world a little bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
To know even one life has breathed easier, because you have lived.
That is to have succeeded.
Ralph Waldo Emerson