Harriet E. Maki

Harriet was born in Ishpeming, on February 13th, 1938, a daughter of the late Florence (Hallgren) and Carl Swanson. She grew up in Ishpeming and was a graduate of the Ishpeming High School, Class of 1956 and then attended Northern Michigan University. In 1959, she married the love of her life, Robert Maki, and together they raised four sons. She had worked as a waitress at the Huron Mountain Club in her younger years. Harriet had also worked as an office clerk for Burridge and Nyland in Negaunee, and Turino Chiropractic in Ishpeming. Her main “job” was raising her four sons whom she took great pride in. Fondly recalling childhod stories about those “little rascals” always put a smile on her face.

Harriet was a lifelong member of Bethany Lutheran Church, where she had been active in the ladies’ circle, and taught Sunday School in her younger years. She always looked forward to meeting with her Ladies Card Club which were all members of her high school class. Harriet enjoyed activities such as bowling, golfing, crocheting, making many afghans and blankets and painting to name a few. She will be remembered as an excellent cook and baker. Harriet and Bob vacationed during the month of March for several years in Gulfport, MS. Family was most important to Harriet, and she cherished following her sons and grandchildren’s events and activities. Harriet had a heartfelt compassion to help and care for the elderly and needy in the community also and enjoyed fulfilling that calling.

Survivors include her husband of 63 years, Robert “Sawbones” Maki of Ishpeming Twp.; four sons – Chris (Laura) Maki of Holly; Brett (Gina) Maki, of Cary, IL; Todd (Lisa) Maki of Gladstone; and Robb (Jeanniene) Maki of Corinth, TX; sister-in-law – Joyce Swanson of Kentwood; 8 grandchildren – Grant, Candice, Bryant, Morgan, Keira, Trevor, Sarah and Corey, along with several great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Special thanks from the family to Karen Plaisier for her fellowship, kindness and support throughout mom’s illness.

Harriet was preceded in death by her parents, brothers – Donald, Warren, Jack, Edwall and Hartley Swanson and sisters – Florence Bietila and Anita Hendrickson.

The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00AM – 12:00PM, on Friday, December 9th, 2022, at the Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. Funeral services will follow at 12:00PM on Friday at the Bethany Lutheran Church with Rev. Bruce Thorsen to officiate. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

A luncheon will follow the services in the church hall. The services will be livestreamed at www.face book.com/715Mather/.

Memorials may be directed to the Bethany Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 715 Mather Ave., Ishpeming, MI 49849.

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