Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
As received from the Jacobson Funeral Home:
Mary Rae Takala, age 67 of Keweenaw Bay, MI passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at her home with her husband by her side.
She was born March 23, 1952 in Hancock, MI daughter of Bruce and Shirley (Walitalo) Kemppainen. Mary graduated from Thurston High School in Redford in 1970. She furthered her studies at NMU and MTU. Mary married Donald Takala on August 30, 1975 at the Finnish Center in Farmington Hills, MI. They resided in Keweenaw Bays since 1983. She worked in food service and then in Chem Stores as a stores clerk at MTU, retiring after 30 years.
In her youth she was very active in sports being the pitcher for Redford Stingers when they won the Women’s Slow Pitch Class A Nationals in 1973 and was also active in synchronized swimming in school.
After retirement she enjoyed making cards and sent cards out on a daily basis, Mary was the glue that held the cousins and relatives together and will be sorely missed.
Every Sunday watched her Lyons play football. Every game she watched they lost so you know she watched a lot of them. Later recording them so they had a chance.
Preceding her in death are her parents Bruce and Shirley; and sister Pam Smith.
Surviving are her husband Donald of Keweenaw Bay; siblings, Christine Dobson of Dearborn Heights, MI, Jane Kemppainen of Allen Park, MI, John (Shirley) Kemppainen of L’Anse MI, Robbie (Cathy) Kemppainen of South Lyon, MI, and Sally (Mike) Huhta of Dallas, TX and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held in the spring-summer after all this virus craziness is over. Burial will be in the Pelkie Cemetery. The Jacobson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Friends may sign Mary’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.
