Winifred E. Sayotovich

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Winifred E. "Betty" Sayotovich, age 85 of L'Anse, MI passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2008 at Baraga County Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.

She was born in Nesterville, Canada on March 13, 1923 to John Roy and Winifred E. (Melavey) Tobin. Betty fondly cherished the childhood memories of growing up in Pequaming, MI where she graduated from the Pequaming High School in 1940. She was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during WWII.

She married Ralph A. Sayotovich on January 13, 1951. Betty was a stay at home wife and mother, honing that life choice into an art form. She was an exceptional cook and baker, a seamstress, a crafter, a volunteer at Stark Elementary School in Livonia during and long after her children's grade school days. Her talents in the kitchen were second to none; she could whip up a banquet as an unexpected guest was walking through the back doora�"no one went away hungry.

In later years, Betty was the consummate grandmother and great grandmother, leading the cheering section for each grandchild and great grandchild with loving support and unabashed pride.

She was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic church in L'Anse, MI.

Betty is survived by her loving husband, Ralph Sayotovich of L'Anse; her children P. Lynn (Tom) Gibson of Hastings, MI, Pamela (Dennis) Brogan of L'Anse, David A. Sayotovich, of Viroqua, WI, John (Deb Spry) of Pleasant Lake, MI; grandchildren Beth (Christopher) Ott of Appleton, WI, Jennifer (Dennis) Lundy of Appleton, WI, Eric (A. Melody) Fleischer of New York City, Joseph (Laura) Brogan of L'Anse; great grandchildren Abigail and Carter Ott, Nicklas and Nolan Lundy, Natalie and Ryan Brogan; step grand children, Jennifer, Jackie and Jeremiah Spry; sister Marion (Swerre) Eliassen of Dover, Delaware, brother John R. (Elaine) Tobin of Bloomfield Hills, MI; brother-in-laws Frank (Margaret) Sayotovich and Donald Sayotovich of Milwaukee, sisters-in-law Rose Tessmer of Baraga, Irene Sayotovich of L'Anse, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Patricia Picucci, Helen Rice and Rita Solberg; brother-in-laws Arthur Tessmer, Sheldon Rice, Arthur Solberg, John, Tony, Mike and Rudy Sayotovich; sisters-in-law Verna Maierle, Mary, Jeanette, Dorothy and Mary Sayotovich, nephews Kurt Mahr, Thomas Rice, Arthur, Patrick and Michael Solberg and niece Terry Tessmer Santi.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, October 17th at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church at 11:00 A.M. Fr. Augustin George will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Internment will take place in the L'Anse Evergreen Cemetery. The Baraga County Area Veterans will conduct military rites at the graveside under the direction of the American Legion Post 444. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L'Anse is assisting the family.

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