Mayme Usitalo

Mayme Ingeri Pauline Usitalo (nee Reini) passed away at Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc, Michigan on March 11, 2023.

Mayme was born November 17, 1935 in Ironwood, Michigan, the daughter of Katherine (Alavarvi) and Walter Reini.  She attended Roosevelt grade school and graduated in 1953 from Luther L. Wright High School in Ironwood.  On March 30, 1955, she married Raymond Usitalo at the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Ironwood.

Over the years, Mayme worked as an accountant at a trailer factory, Kodiak Corporation and a CPA firm (Talaska and Sharpe).  She was a longtime member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ironwood and enjoyed singing in the choir, bible study and was the church auditor for many years.  Mayme also enjoyed reading, knitting and spending time with family.  Every grandchild received an afghan knitted especially for them.

She was proud of her Finnish heritage and her “SISU” got her through the ups and downs of life.

Mayme was predeceased by her husband, parents and all her brothers and sisters; including Toivo, Tauno, Elma Mylly, John, Martha Kinnunen, Helen Venetjoki, Marian (in infancy), Reuben, Eugene, Edwin, Roy, Ruth Segelin, and Eino.

She is survived by her son Howard (Jane) of Ann Arbor, Michigan and her daughter Debra (Dennis) Klein of Fenton, Michigan. Also surviving are grandchildren Amy (Kevin) Begola, Dana (Paul) Rice, Mark (Hannah) Usitalo, Darren (Rebecca) Klein and Marc Klein. Her great grandchildren are Ava, Thomas and Bennett Begola, Jack Rice, Clare and Lydia Usitalo, and Ryan Klein.  In addition, Mayme is survived by her sister in law Vienna Reini and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers or cards, memorials are preferred to St. Paul Lutheran Church steeple restoration fund, 111 S. Curry St., Ironwood, Michigan 49938.

Funeral services will be held 11 AM Tuesday June 20 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 111 S. Curry St., Ironwood, Michigan 49938. Interment in Sunset Acres Cemetery. Visitation will be 10-11 AM Tuesday June 20 at the church.

Arrangements are being handled by Sharp Funeral Homes, Linden Chapel, 209 E. Broad St., Linden.

Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.