Ann Filizetti

Ann was born February 2, 1929 in Forsyth Township to Leo and Bertha (St. Onge) McDonald.

In her youth Ann was a proud member of the St. Anthony’s Alter Society. She also enjoyed helping her father in his garden and training their spaniel puppies. Ann graduated from Gwinn High School, Class of 1946. It was there she met her late husband, Bruno Filizetti.

Ann and Bruno’s love story began one snowy winter night after ice skating at the local ice rink. Bruno carried her skates and walked her home, and during that walk they shared their first magical kiss. That kiss was the start of something beautiful.

After graduation, Ann left on the 400 train out of Little Lake heading to Chicago to become a nanny of three children in the Highland Park suburbs. Bruno was serving his country in the United States Army at the time, so Ann took advantage of saving money to start a family with Bruno once he returned. Ann also landed a second job as a phone operator for Illinois Bell. She proudly would tell the story of how she worked her way up to become a long- distance operator working the B board. After some time in the Chicago area it was time to move back to Upper Michigan to start her life with Bruno.

Ann and Bruno married and had five children within an eight-year timeframe. She loved her family and making a home became her main priority. While raising her children she became a 4-H leader and taught knitting classes as she was an avid knitter. She made beautiful sweaters and socks just to name a few. Ann also helped with the Booster Club at the Gwinn schools and attended her children’s sporting events. The early years of their marriage they lived in Austin, Princeton, and then their forever home on the corner of Carbon and Birch, the home that would become the staple for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and Halloween gatherings.

Ann and Bruno loved to watch their family grow, and in 1973 they became grandparents. They were blessed with twelve grandchildren that her and Bruno adored. Many memories where made at their camp on Mehl Lake, holidays, sporting events, birthdays, and Disney trips just to name a few.

Together Ann and Bruno enjoyed camping with their 5th wheel, spending time with family and picking shells from the Florida beaches. Her favorite find was the Concha shell, and they made crafts with the shells they would gather. Ann enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and was a big fan.

Ann enjoyed taking bus tours with friends, her favorite was Alaska. She said the beauty was indescribable. Nashville was a close second. She enjoyed the Oakridge Boys and would see them preform any chance she could. Ann would attend Saturday mass with her special friends, Rose and Trudy, then grab dinner at one of the local restaurants. She would also enjoy an occasional trip to the casino.

In 1994, she became “Noni” as her first great-grandson was born. They kept coming! She had 40-some great-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren. To say she was proud was an understatement. She loved hearing about all the activities they were involved in, and enjoyed when her great-grandchildren would stop for a photo before the prom. Ann became a great- great of two beautiful granddaughters. It was then that she gave herself the title of the “Luckiest old lady in Gwinn.”

Ann was known for her great advice, listening ear, her strong personality, and her love for family.

Surviving are her children: Dennis (Barbara) Filizetti, Gail (Butch) Gelmi, Linda (Donald) Delmont, Sherry (Louie) Juidici, and Kendall (Rose) Filizetti; grandchildren: Jim (Missy) Delmont, Candi (Brian) Kjellin, Bradley (Katina) Gelmi, Gina (Rick) Pepin, Michael (Debbie) Gelmi, Nicole (Michael) Racine, Annajean (Steve) Juidici, Jennifer Delmont, Raymond (Tiffany) Juidici, Anthony (Jessica) Filizetti , and Angela (Winston) Chang; and several very special great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her one and only love, husband, Bruno Filizetti; her special auntie, Helen; siblings: Paul, Shirley, and Kendall; and her special sister-in law, Rose Anderson.

All because of that one snowy winter night he carried her ice skates on their walk home. The special kiss became the love that created our family.

Mom, Gram, Noni you will forever be loved and missed. Thank you for all the wonderful memories

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Friday, May 3rd, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Gwinn, with Rev. Sebastian Oppong officiating. Interment will be in the Gwinn Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends from 9:00 AM until the start of Mass at 11:00 AM at the church on Friday, and also at luncheon immediately following services in the church fellowship hall.

Mrs. Filizetti’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.