Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
As received from the Memorial Chapel and Plowe Funeral Homes:
Deborah Joy Aho, 64, a resident of Hancock, passed away at home surrounded by her family early Saturday morning March 17, 2018.
Deborah was the second youngest in a family of 12 siblings. She grew up in Chassell, MI and graduated from Chassell High School in 1971. After graduation she moved to New Hampshire where she married and had 6 children. Ten years later she moved back to the Upper Peninsula where she raised her children & spent the remainder of her life. She attended Soumi College where she acquired an associate’s degree in Human Services in 1994.
Despite the many challenges she faced in life, she was full of love and laughter, making beautiful memories for her children and grandchildren, family & friends to cherish for years to come.
Her biggest priority was to teach her children to love the Lord and to trust in Him for everything.
She was a prayer warrior, a true friend, the best listener and encourager anyone could ask for. She always had a compliment to give & noticed, the small things.
She had a great fashion sense & loved clothes. She was always donning a new hat or beautiful coat and loved to look nice. She had the perfect outfit for every occasion.
Her smile was infectious, her laugh a delight as she would recall many stories from the past. She loved to tell of her family growing up in Chassell, Michigan and all the good times she had with her 11 brothers and sisters and friends from the neighborhood.
Deborah had 10 grandchildren and played a huge part in their lives. Her grandson Andrew lived in her home the first 4 years of his life and only a few blocks away after that. Andrew loved to be at his Grammy’s home best of all.
Although they moved away when they were young, Deborah was close to her other 9 grandchildren as well. She visited them often taking road trips & family vacations, so she could spend quality time with each of them.
In consistency of character, she instituted in each of them the value of a virtuous Christian Life and gave them the best example to follow.
Deborah’s life is a true testimony to all who knew her and loved her. She will be missed dearly, but those left behind have a legacy worthy of celebrating.
Surviving are her children Katrina Aho, Rhett Aho, Kristie Aho, Tara Aho, Ross Aho and Tanya Aho,
Her grandchildren: Seth Richard Aho Jr., Michael Aho, James Aho, Braden Aho, Paige Aho, Jorja Aho, Andrew Aho, Reagan Aho, Ryland Aho and Ryker Aho.
Her brothers: Nathan Olson, Rindge New Hampshire
Eric Olson of Rindge, New Hampshire
Her sisters: Mary Mattila of Washington
Rebecca Niemela of Chassell, MI
Funeral services for Deborah will be held at 11 am Saturday March 24, 2018, at Range Apostolic Lutheran Church of South Range with Pastors Chuck Bylkas and Don Holombo to officiate. Spring burial will be in the Lakeside Cemetery of Hancock.
Friends may call on Friday March 23, 2018, from 6 to 8 pm at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock and on Saturday March 24, 2018, from 10 am until time of services at the church.
To view Deborah’s obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
A woman of substance, a woman of grace
One of a kind; no one can replace
Her smile – so beautiful; her eyes -so bright.
She could light up your day, she was such a delight.
Mother and auntie; grandmother too
Sister and friend; to name just a few
Deborah we’ll miss you, the days will seem dim
Until someday we’ll see you, in Heaven again.
Written by: Katrina Aho
The Memorial Chapel & Plowe Funeral Homes of Hancock are assisting the family with the arrangements.
