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Chassell
Mary Lee Nordstrom made her grand entrance to Heaven today, August 18th 2024, at 8am just before the “Oldies” started playing on WMPL 107.3.
Mary Lee was 79. She was born at home in Portage Entry, Chassell, MI. She was the 5th child of Henry and Lili Tormala (both deceased) on June 4, 1945. She was the mom of daughters Suzanne (Kevin) Keranen, and Amy Soumis (Brad) Sims, and son in law, Roger Hyrkas. She is the sister of Ruth Tormala (who died as a toddler), Lucille Rocchi (Al Rocchi – deceased), Paul Tormala (Carolyn), and Howard Tormala (Mona).
Mary Lee was married to Gary “Papa” Soumis (deceased in 1983 and father of Amy and Suzanne), and Carl Nordstrom (beloved “Pops”) who also preceded her in death (2012).
She was stepmother to Mark Nordstrom (father of Zach and Jacob Nordstrom), Steve Nordstrom and Kevin (Davina) Nordstrom (father of Kollin Nordstrom, Kourtney (David) Moore, and Kyle Nordstrom).
Mary Lee was the grandmother of Venn (Maggie) Keranen (their children, Kevin and Ellie Keranen), Fields Soumis Hyrkas (Tiffany Lam), Willow Soumis Hyrkas, and Zane Keranen, and step-grandmother to Shawna (Jeremy) Bertram. She was also Step-Great Gramma to Griffyn and Jasper Bertram and McKinlee, Carter, and Nova Moore.
She was the cousin of many and aunt to numerous nieces and nephews…OY VEY, Manischewitz!!
Mary Lee was a graduate of the Chassell High School (Class of 1963) and initial donor to start the Chassell All-School Reunion Foundation. Mary Lee had the privilege as a School board member to award her daughters their diplomas (with a kiss) upon graduation. As a proud member of the Chassell VFW Post 6507 – Ladies auxiliary, she participated in numerous local VFW activities.
Mary Lee loved her view of Chassell Bay from her home; her “Brandy Old-Fashioned Sweets,” the sweet smell of her flowers that drew in countless hummingbirds, which she adored!
As a world-traveler, Mary Lee visited many tropical destinations (Hawaii being her favorite), where she began her daily Muumuu fashion statement!
Mary Lee can be best remembered for her coined phrases: “Son of a Sea Cook,” “Sugar Capone,” “I’ll live until I die!” and “…whatcha-call, ya-know!”
Visitation with the family will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chassell from 2pm – 4pm, with a Memorial Service following at 4pm. Following the Memorial service friends and family are invited to join a Celebration of Life at the Chassell VFW Post 6507 after the family holds a brief, private burial service at the Chassell Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Mary Lee’s memory to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Chassell VFW Post 6507 and/or the Copper Country Humane Society of Houghton, MI.
To view this obituary or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.memorialchapel.net.
The Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Service – Chassell Chapel is assisting the family with the arrangements.
