Carol Ann (Syrjala) O’Brien

Carol was born to Carl and Mildred (Prodell) Syrjala on October 19, 1947 in Ishpeming. She attended Ishpeming High School, graduating with the class of 1965. On June 11, 1966 she was united in marriage to her husband of 54 years, Gary, at St. Pius X Church. She worked as a bookkeeper for Range/ First National Bank of Negaunee for 35 years. Carol enjoyed going on adventures with her husband and their special friends Otto and Rogie Luoma. After retirement, Carol enjoyed babysitting for her great nieces and great nephews; Lucy, Matthew, Andrew, Joseph, and Emily Ostola.

Carol was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She especially loved her role as a great-grandmother. She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them. She had a way of welcoming everyone with a sweet smile and a big hug. Her words of encouragement, wisdom and comfort will be missed. Her spirit encouraged family and friends to persist in the face of many struggles. She was a person of faith and lived life serving others.

She is survived by her husband, Gary; children, Candy and Tammy; grandchildren, Jennifer and Melissa (Mitchell Schultz) Lindsey; great-grandchildren, Adalyn and Kaiya Schultz. She is also survived by her siblings, Sharon (Ray) Ogea, Audrey (Roger) Knutson, Loren (Liisa) Syrjala, Terry (Gail) Syrjala, Larry Syrjala, Alan Syrjala, Ron (Lori) Syrjala, and Brian (Tricia) Syrjala, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Bruce; in-laws Dorothy and Ed O’Brien Sr, brother-in-law, Ed O’Brien Jr.; and a niece, Tina Nelson.

A visitation will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 from 12 Noon until 1:00PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will remain private to the family and close friends. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

The Mass will be livestreamed, which can be found at ishpemingcatholic.com/live, beginning at 12:55PM, on Wednesday, January 20, 2021.

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