Ishpeming – MaryAnn Helen Wakkuri, age 84, lifelong Ishpeming area resident passed away on Monday, Dec. 10, 2018 at the Eastwood Nursing Center where she had been a resident since Jan. 8, 2017.

MaryAnn was born April 4, 1934 in Ishpeming the daughter of the late Walter and Martha Wakkuri.  She was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1952.  MaryAnn went on to work at the Bell Hospital in the kitchen and then for 21 years in housekeeping at the Holiday Inn in Marquette, retiring in 1993.  She was an active lifelong member of the Bethel Lutheran Church.  In her younger years MaryAnn was also active with the Girl Scouts and had enjoyed ceramics and knitting.  She also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and playing bingo.

Survivors include 3 sisters – Vicki Perttunen of Novi, Lea (David) Lang of Louisburg, KS and Elaine (Wayne) Prusi of Champion, along with several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Joanne Hintsala and brothers – John and Paul Wakkuri.

MaryAnn's family will greet relatives and friends from 11:00am – 12:00pm on Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018 at the Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming.  Funeral Services will follow at 12:00pm on Thursday at Bethel Lutheran Church with the Rev. Lauri O. Maki to officiate.  A luncheon will follow in the church hall.  Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to either the Bethel Lutheran Church, Memorial Fund, 333 E. Ridge St., Ishpeming, MI 49849 or Eastwood Nursing Center – Activities Dept., 900 Maas St., Negaunee, MI 49866 in MaryAnn's memory.

MaryAnn's family wishes to thank the staff at the Eastwood Nursing Center for making her stay there as enjoyable and comfortable as possible.

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