Obituary: Martha M. Harju

Martha M. Harju, age 96 of L’Anse, Michigan passed away Tuesday, July 9, 2019 at Bayside Village where she was a resident for a short time.

Martha was born in Watton, Michigan on October 29, 1922 to parents Hilja (Virta) and Ernest Ellis. She was raised in Aura Michigan and resided there throughout her life. On November 2nd 1940 she married Wilbert G. Harju and together they raised four children. They built their home on Lake Superior where she loved to be. Wilbert passed away in 1966 and left her with a young family to finish raising. She now had to learn how to drive as she never obtained a driver’s license. Her schooling in Pequaming taught her to be an achieved seamstress; creating dresses for many occasions including baptisms, proms and weddings, as well as making doll clothes and clothing for her entire family. Baking was another passion and Martha was known for the best “rieska” recipe. Her many years at the Hilltop restaurant provided the area with the famous “sweet roll.” She then worked and retired from Baraga County Memorial Hospital. Martha was an active member of United Lutheran Church. She served on its council and belonged to Lutheran Church Women and its Esther Circle. She was a charter member of the Baraga County Eagle’s Auxiliary holding many offices and where she was voted “Mother of the Year.” She was a member of Baragaland Senior Citizens where she so enjoyed their monthly luncheons. Some of her other hobbies included oil painting, reading and traveling. The highlight of her travels was a trip to Finland where she was able to meet relatives from both sides of the family. The trip also took her to Norway and Sweden. Finn Fest and traveling with Carl Pellonpaa were also on the top her list. Martha so enjoyed the company of her friends and together they took in many area activities.

Martha is survived by her three daughters; Annette Lindstrom, Linda (Duncan) Hansen, and Donna Carriere, all of L’Anse, Grandchildren Curt (Marcia) Lindstrom, Mark (Deanna) Lindstrom, Sarah (Joe) Linder, Vanessa (Garrett) Williamson, Tammy (Scott) Lloyd, Kim (Dominic) Curriere, Great Grandchildren, Daniel Lindstrom, Ryan Lindstrom, Kelsey Lindstrom, Nicholas Lindstrom, Aubrey Linder, Ridge Linder, Owen Williamson, Tyler Lloyd, Travis Lloyd, Holly Loosemore, Courtney Spencer, D.J. Curriere and Christina Curriere, Great Great Grandchildren, Mason Lloyd, Findley Lloyd, Hadley Loosemore, Holden Loosemore, Hutsen Loosemore, Jasper Lloyd and Sterling Spencer. Preceding her in death was her husband, Wilbert Harju, son Clifford Harju, son’s in-law Dale Lindstrom and Roger Carriere, sisters; Elsie Paquet, Lila Poirier and brother Sulo Ellis.

Funeral services for Martha will be held at 12 p.m. Monday, July 15, 2019 at United Lutheran Church, L’Anse with Pastor John Ansell officiating. The family will greet friends at the church on Monday from 11 a.m. until the time of the funeral service. Immediately following the funeral service the family invites friends to join them for fellowship and a luncheon in the church hall. Interment will take place in the L’Anse Evergreen Cemetery.

Martha’s obituary may also be viewed and condolences sent to the family at www.reidfuneralservicechapel.com

The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.