Lois Jule Ayotte

Born on October 14, 1930 in Milwaukee, WI, Lois is the daughter of the late Lillian (Mason) and Julius Tislov. She was a 1948 graduate of the Ishpeming High School and thoroughly enjoyed the many reunions with her classmates.

The Lord blessed Lois with musical talent and she served Him well spreading His word through hymns on the organ and piano.

Lois shared momentous occasions with hundreds of people in Ishpeming and the surrounding communities performing their musical selections at baptisms, first communions, confirmations, weddings, solo ensembles, funerals, and services and masses at both the Wesley United Methodist Church and the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church.

For decades she would volunteer bimonthly to play the piano at the area nursing homes. Even at the age of 86, she continued to entertain her fellow residents at Teal Lake Senior Living Community.

She was so very proud of the beautiful retirement mass at the St Joseph Church in September of 2018 honoring her 55 years of service with Father Ryan Ford, Father Dan Moll, Bishop Doerfler and many fellow parishioners in attendance. In 2017, after serving as the organist for the Wesley United Methodist Church, she was sent off in style with love and appreciation at a celebratory reception.

Lois was a generous woman and served as past president of the St. Joseph’s Women’s Guild, a member of the American Legion VFW Auxiliary and was involved for many years with the Mothers March sponsored by The March of Dimes. She had a compassionate heart with room for everyone, especially children and those less fortunate or with special needs. You knew when she entered a room with her cheerful disposition, infectious smile and her signature hug!

Lois is survived by her three children: Karen (Keith) Palkki, of Ishpeming, Kevin (Maureen) Ayotte of Escanaba and Kathy (Craig) Turman of New Prague, MN. She most loved being Grandma to Joshua Palkki, Long Beach, CA, Brenna (Dan) Sura, Nashville, TN, Ben (fiance Ashley Hull) Ayotte of Eau Claire, WI and Erin Turman of New Prague, MN and was extremely proud of each of their accomplishments. This past year she became a great grandmother with the birth of Reina Sura. Lois has one very dear cousin, Marion Reidy, who resides in Illinois. Her husband, Clarence “Junior” Ayotte and parents preceded her in death.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 14th at St. Joseph’s church starting at 9:00 am. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am with Father Ryan Ford and Father Dan Moll officiating. A luncheon will follow.

Lois’s obituary may be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.