Marilyn Ellen Michelli

BESSEMER, Mich. – Marilyn Ellen Michelli, 78, of Bessemer, passed away peacefully at home with her loving family at her side on Sunday, May 15, 2011.
She was born on June 22, 1932, in Bessemer, Ala., the daughter of Irwin "Shine" and Ellen (Leinonen) Oliver. Marilyn and her family moved to Ironwood in 1935. She attended Ironwood schools, and graduated from L.L. Wright High School in 1950.
On Oct. 25, 1952, Marilyn was united in marriage with Bernard James "Bernie" Michelli, the love of her life, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ironwood.
She held various jobs in the Ironwood area, including the S. S. Kresge Co. candy counter, Norrie School administration office and Hanson Glove Factory. More recently, Marilyn worked at Bentley Furniture, and for 30 years was employed by Big Powderhorn Mountain.
She volunteered at Theatre North, beginning in 1972, designing and sewing costumes. She had amazing, creative hands sewing, knitting, crocheting and embroidering.
Marilyn's love of reading was shared with children, volunteering at Washington Elementary School. She also loved gardening and became a Master Gardner in 2006.
Marilyn is survived by three children, Geraldine (David) Cushman, Rio Rancho, N.M., Scott (Holly) Michelli, Marenisco, and Jonelle (Timothy) France, Bessemer; five lovely grandchildren, Willem and Conner Cushman and Maxwell, Cameron and Olivia France; a brother, Charles (Lorraine) Oliver, Ironwood; a sister, Bette Colasacco, Ironwood; two sisters-in-law, Bernice Zambrovitz, Orange City, Fla., and Lois Michelli, Muskegon; many loving nieces and nephews; and special extended family, Jim and Paula Partanen, Bessemer, and "grandchildren," Joelle, Jamin and Ryan Lewis Partanen. She was also known as "Grama Marilyn" to a host of Bessemer children.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bernie, on Sept. 24, 2007; a son, Bradley B. Michelli, on Nov. 19, 1978; a brother, Gerald Oliver; two brothers-in-law, Dempsey Colasacco and Robert Michelli; and two sisters-in-law, Florence Ellsworth and Loretta Richardson.
The family will greet relatives and friends on Monday, May 23, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., at Sharon Lutheran Church in Bessemer, where a memorial service will follow at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Bill Jacobson officiating, and the Rev. Todd Winkler, pastor of Cornerstone Church in Ramsay, in attendance.
A reception will be held in the Kastman Hall following the service.
Private burial will take place at a later date in Hillcrest Cemetery.
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy may contribute to Regional Hospice, 100 S. Mill St., Bessemer MI 49911, Washington School Take Home Reading Program, 301 E. Sellar St., Bessemer MI 49911, or Bessemer Public Library, 411 S. Sophie St., Bessemer MI 49911
Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories may be shared at lakesidememorialchapel.com.