Mary Elizabeth Hulkonen

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Mary Elizabeth (Snyder) Hulkonen, age 65, of L’Anse, passed away Thursday, June 26th at Bayside Village of L’Anse where she had been a resident for the past 16 months.

Mary was born on May 30th, 1949 in Battle Creek, Michigan; the daughter of the late Wayne and Delaphine (Brown) Snyder. A 1967 graduate of Climax/Scotts High School, Mary decided to forego her dreams of becoming a long road trucker or a fashion designer to receive her degree in Nursing from Michigan Tech University in 1976. In 1992, she continued her collegiate rise, taking a Master’s Degree in Nursing and Business Administration from Northern Michigan University where she was a member of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing.

Along her path to finding her passion as a medical care provider, Mary met the love of her life James Edward Hulkonen, whom she married on August 30th, 1969. As a resident of Nisula and L’Anse, together they raised two children, Erin and Kyle.

Mary began her nursing career in 1978 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital as a registered nurse. In 1989, Mary took over as the Director of Nursing Services, a position she held until her retirement in 2003.

Outside of her love of family, especially her three grandchildren; Jacob, Caleb and Colton, Mary’s passions included travel, sewing and caring for the roses in her garden. A highly educated and highly intelligent woman, Mary would often turn to the acronym “KISS”, or Keep It Simple Stupid, as her life mantra in times of challenge. A belief that built her success professionally and kept her sane at the end of the day.

Mary is survived by her husband of 45 years, James; favorite daughter Erin (Chris) Inman of Trufant, MI; favorite son Kyle Hulkonen of Negaunee, MI; grandchildren Jacob, Caleb and Colton Inman; sister Gail Drews of Mesa, Arizona and brother DeWayne Snyder of Ocala, Florida. She is proceeded in death by her father Wayne Snyder and her mother Delaphine.

A memorial will be held on Wednesday, July 2nd at 11am at United Lutheran Church in L’Anse with a visitation preceding one hour before. A luncheon will follow the service.

A memorial service was held on Wednesday, July 2nd at 11:00 a.m. at the United Lutheran Church in L'Anse will Rev. Greg Mileski officiating. The family  received friends for one hour prior to the service at the church. A luncheon and fellowship  followed the service in the church hall. Burial is in the Nisula Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. The Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Friends may sign Mary's guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.