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Pauline Elizabeth Cayanus, 79, of L’Anse, Michigan, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Baraga County Memorial Hospital.
She was born on October 19, 1945, at Ontonagon Memorial Hospital, the youngest daughter of Waino and Martha Hautamaki of Mass City, Michigan. She attended school in Mass, Carlsbad, New Mexico, Burlington, Iowa, and Cocoa Beach, Florida. While in New Mexico, her teacher, Dan Blocker, later became known for playing Hoss on Bonanza. During her time in Cocoa Beach, she witnessed the lift-off of John Glenn into space. She was a member of one of the last graduating classes from Mass High School.
After graduation, Pauline moved to Houston, Texas, where she worked for Epco Hospital Supply Corporation and often watched the Astrodome being built during her daily walks. In 1964, she married her high school sweetheart, James Cayanus, at Saint Peter and Paul Church in Greenland, Michigan. In 1965, she and her oldest daughter, Laura, joined Jim in France, where he was stationed in the army, and they lived in Chateau Maillebois.
In 1966, the family moved to Las Cruces, New Mexico, where Pauline worked for the New Mexico State University science laboratory at White Sands Missile Base. In 1972, the family relocated to Nisula and resided at Otter Siding.
Pauline worked as a substitute cook at Laird School, a community action aid, and as a supervisor and assessor for Bohemia Township, Ontonagon, Greenland, and Laird Township. She also worked for the Ontonagon County equalization department before accepting the position of equalization director of Baraga County, from which she retired in 2005.
Pauline was deeply involved in her community, serving as a Sunday school teacher, 4-H leader, and a board member for the Pelkie Co-op, Baraga County Shelter Home, and the PTO at Laird School. Honoring her Finnish heritage, she learned to make rag rugs and played the accordion, taught by folk artist Art Moilanen of Mass City. She was featured in Michael Laukinen’s film, *Tradition Bearers*, and performed at the Baraga County Fair, Vapo Days, Finn Fest, Aura Jamboree, and nursing homes, and on the Finnish Hour at the Ontonagon radio station. She played with many local musicians and was good friends with the Oulu Hot Shots. She and her husband enjoyed dancing when she wasn’t performing. Pauline loved animals, caring for numerous pets and a hobby farm over the years. Later in life, she became a painter, creating over 100 paintings for her family. She cherished her family, actively attending their activities, and wrote children’s books for her great-grandchildren.
Pauline is survived by her daughters Laura Cayanus (Les Mackey), Susan (Todd) Ingram, and Catherine (Todd) Maki, all of Baraga; her grandchildren Britney House, Terrence (Alisha) Mackey, Dallas Maki, Gabriel (Dan) Brunet, Hunter Maki, Olivia (Matthew) Frantti, and Ireland Ingram (Jack Price); and her great-grandchildren Ayden Mackey, Tanner Mackey, Roczen Mackey, Cambreigh Brunet, Dane Brunet, Henry Frantti, and Calvin Frantti. She is also survived by her brother John Hautamaki, Brothers-in-law Frank (Jean)Gorneau, Max Gorneau, Roy(Jean) Gorneau, sister-in-law Linda (Lloyd) Kunich ,numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and her faithful dog, Daisey.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Cayanus; twin daughters Janice Lee and Julie Ann; great-grandson, Hayden Prince House; parents Waino and Martha (Lungi) Hautamaki; brothers Peter (Doris) Hautamaki and Richard (Sue) Hautamaki; sister Ruby (Calvin) Wallace; and in-laws Alfred (Dorothy) Cayanus, Charles Cayanus, Rudy (Jean) Laux, Arlene Gorneau, and Pete (Linda) Cayanus.
Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Alston Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life luncheon at the Alston Town Hall. Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to the Copper County Humane Society
Friends may sign Pauline’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com.
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