Colleen ‘Cokey’ Bertucci

ISHPEMING, MI ­ Colleen A. ‘Cokey’ Bertucci, age 90, of Ishpeming, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family and under the compassionate care of Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice.

Born in Ishpeming on April 3, 1935, to Clarence and Charlotte (Williams) Kemp, Cokey was a lifelong resident of the community she loved. She graduated from Ishpeming High School in the Class of 1953 and went on to work for many years as a dedicated salesclerk at Merrick’s Store.

Cokey is survived by her daughter, Vickie Lynn (Mike ‘Red’) Suardini of Michigamme; son, Paul (Cindy) Bertucci of Ishpeming; brother, Paul (Barb) Kemp; and three grandchildren, including a very special granddaughter and caregiver, Linda (Brad) Zhulkie, along with Michael Suardini and Mark (Stephanie) Bertucci. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: William Zhulkie, Brittany (Derek) Wickingson, Bradly Zhulkie, Anthony (Katie Wiljanen) Suardini, and Colton and Tony Bertucci; and her great-great-grandchildren: Mason and Taytum Wickingson, and Tessa Suardini. Many nieces and nephews also mourn her loss.

Cokey was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Anthony Bertucci, in 2010, and her sister, Carol Wilder.

A celebration of Cokey’s life will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home in Ishpeming. Family will greet relatives and friends during this time. Interment will follow at the Ishpeming Cemetery. To share memories or leave condolences, please visit bjorkandzhulkie.com.

She will be remembered for her warmth, devotion to her family, and quiet strength. Her legacy lives on in the generations she nurtured and loved. The family wishes to thank her lunch group at McDonald’s whom she visited daily with, especially Marie & Todd.