Humboldt Twp, MI- Maria Elnora Laaninen, age 82, of 3898 Co. Rd. FNO Champion, MI, passed away on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at UP Health System Marquette.

Maria was born in Ishpeming, Michigan on February 6, 1941, a daughter of Estella Maria (Oja) Jarvi and the late Eino Michael Jarvi. She graduated from Champion High School, Class of 1958 and received her RN degree in 1962 from St. Luke's School of Nursing in Marquette.

Maria worked as a surgical nurse in the operating room at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing for many years and at other hospitals during her 40 years in health care.

Maria was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church of Republic. She was an avid reader and also enjoyed quilting, gardening, doll making & collecting, and ballet dancing. Together Maria and Karl enjoyed much traveling and on the home front was an excellent cook.

Maria is survived by her husband Karl Laaninen, whom she married on December 27, 1972, her mother Estella Jarvi (age 103), three sisters; Joan Grimm, Julie Mattila and Jacqueline (David) Helwig, two brothers; Michael (Donna) Jarvi and Jonathan (Robin) Jarvi, brothers-in-law; Peter (Jean) Laaninen and Bill (Kris) Laaninen, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Maria was preceded in death by her father Eino Jarvi, a sister; Geraldine McKenzie, a nephew Tommy McKenzie, and brothers-in-law; Thomas McKenzie, Jeff Grimm and Jon Mattila.

Private services will be held for Maria at the Bjork and Zhulkie Funeral Home with Rev. Alex Ross officiating.

The Upper Peninsula Nurses Honor Guard will provide honors to Maria.

The family would like to thank the Marquette County Medical Care Facility, the Ishpeming Bell Hospital, and the U.P. Health System of Marquette for taking special care of Maria.

Memorial donations may be directed to Bay Cliff Heath Camp at baycliff.org in Maria's memory.

Maria's obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com.