Republic – Margaret L. Isaacson, age 83, longtime Republic resident passed away on October 27, 2014 with her loving family by her side at the Marquette Co. Medical Care Facility in Ishpeming where she had resided for the past 6 years.

Margaret was born November 4, 1930 in Negaunee, MI the daughter of the late Jalmer and Aili (Ahola) Sirtola. She was a graduate of the Republic High School. Margaret married Toivo Isaacson on September 4, 1950 and together they raised their family of three children. Margaret's home was open to family and friends, with the coffee pot always on and homemade baked goods always at hand. Margaret had a green thumb, and enjoyed her flower gardens in the summer months. She also enjoyed berry picking, crafts, time spent at camp, fishing with her husband Toivo, along with the girl's weekends to various destination via bus. After she had raised her family, Margaret worked as a bus driver for the Republic – Michigamme School District for many years. She was a member of the Bethany Lutheran Church of Republic and had been active with the Republic VFW auxiliary, and the St. Vincent de Paul Store in Republic.

Survivors include a daughter Janice (Steve) Hull of Republic, a son John (Kim) Isaacson of Fort Gratiot, Son-in-law - Don Syrjala of Republic, 4 grandchildren – Stacie & Jill Syrjala, Christopher Isaacson and Amanda Swartz, 6 great grandchildren – Ashley & Bryanna Saari, Halen Carello, Olivia and Brenden Mattila and Isabel Isaacson, along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Toivo Isaacson in 1996, a daughter Marie Syrjala, brothers - Buddy and Sonny Sirtola and sisters – Dorothy Piirto and Joan Venn.

Private funeral services will be held at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming with the Rev. Kevin Kaiser to officiate. Interment will take place at the Republic Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Marquette Co. Medical Care Facility for their excellent care and compassion shown to Margaret over the past six years.