Claire Marie Hirvonen
MARQUETTE, MI – Claire Marie Hirvonen, age 88, entered eternal life Friday, February 24th, 2023, in the loving and comforting care of her family. Claire resided at home with her family until the time of her passing.
Claire was born May 2nd, 1934, in Marquette, the daughter of Louis and Ramona (Ford) Fassbender, Jr. She attended school in Marquette, until the family moved to California during high school years, where she graduated in 3 years from La Conchilla High School, Class of 1951.
The family returned to Marquette after her graduation and Claire’s working career began as a flight attendant with Frontier Airlines, based out of Denver until 1957.
While on one of her trips home, Claire met Melvin Hirvonen. The couple was married January 11th, 1958, established their home in Marquette, and began raising a family. Her family was her priority and she loved spending time with them. In her leisure, Claire enjoyed golfing, reading, playing bridge, boating around the Great Lakes, cruising and traveling with her family and wintering in Florida with Mel. A passionate and devout animal lover, she considered all her family pets her grandchildren and loved them dearly.
The couple were active members of Messiah Lutheran Church, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and Claire was a member of the Lady Elks.
Claire is survived by her daughters, Lori (Terry) Kasten of Grafton, WI and Kim (Mike) Young of Marquette; her granddaughters, Meagan Petros of Negaunee and Steffani (Doug) Baker of Marquette; great-grandchildren, Cason Kerry and Julien Baker.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Mel, in 2015.
Celebration of life will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church in the spring and will be announced at a later date. Interment will be made in the Park Cemetery.
The Hirvonen family would like to thank Dr Susan Balmer for the great care she and her staff provided Claire over the years.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to UPAWS (Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter), 815 S. State Hwy M553, Gwinn, MI 49841 or D.J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, Life Enrichment Fund, 425 Fisher Street, Marquette, MI 49855.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.