Elizabeth Mary Makela

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Elizabeth (Betty) M. Makela age 79, of L'Anse Mi. passed away on Saturday, September 27, 2008 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital Skilled Nursing Unit in L'Anse Mi. where she had been a resident since April 4, 2008.

Elizabeth was born on April 20, 1929 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Edmond and Elizabeth (Hrupcin) Paquette. She moved to L'Anse at a very young age and attended L'Anse High School until her graduation in 1947. On February 15, 1950 she was married to George Makela.

Elizabeth loved to crochet and work in her garden. On October 22, 1986 she was appointed by the Honorable Circuit Judge Stephen D. Condon as Baraga County Clerk until her retirement on December 31, 1993. Elizabeth worked 25 years for the County of Baraga. She was an active member at her church, Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Red Hats of Baraga. Elizabeth was a Board member of the Baragaland Senior Citizens, Covington VFW, American Legion Foucault-Funke Post 444 of Baraga, and Past President of John C. Sands VFW Auxiliary from 1962 until 1963, also served as 1st President of the Eagles Auxiliary which was instituted on July 1969. Elizabeth served as Secretary of D.A.V. Auxiliary, member of Baraga County Kiwanis, St. Rita's Circle and Board member and local Treasurer of the Bay Cliff Health Camp. She also served on the jury board and board of canvassers, and was nominated Citizen of the year in 1996 by Baraga County Kiwanis.

Elizabeth volunteered with the March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, Bay Cliff Camp, quilting at her church and Retired & Senior Volunteer Program.

Surviving Elizabeth are her son Michael Makela of L'Anse and her daughter Georgia James) Selden of L'Anse.; grandchildren Elizabeth (Jason) Gibbons, Tim, Christina, Derek, Jay, Jessica Makela, Sandra Griffin, Jon Selden and Heidi Sayles. 13 great-grandchildren.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents Edmond and Elizabeth (Hrupcin), her husband George, her sister Anna March and grandson Michael Hamm.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, October 2, 2008 at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in L'Anse with Father Augustin George as celebrant. Family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until time of Mass. The American Legion Auxiliary will conduct a service at 10:30 AM at the church. Memorials in honor of Mrs. Makela can be made to Sacred Heart Church or your favorite charity. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is assisting the family.