Carole (Gaviglio) Haivala

Carole Catherine was born June 14, 1932 in Negaunee, Michigan to Peter and Mary (Bessolo) Gaviglio. She graduated from Negaunee High School and briefly attended Northern Michigan University’s School of Nursing. She married John M. Haivala of Ishpeming in 1951; they were married for 56 years, until John’s passing in 2006 at their home in Painesdale, Michigan. They shared three children; John M. Haivala, Jr., Mary Haivala Dalton, and James P. Haivala. In addition to her three children, Carole is survived by five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband John Haivala, her brother Donald Gaviglio, and her first grandson Jason Michael ‘Jake’ Haivala, who passed in 2020.

Carole was blessed to have an extended family of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was loved and admired by an extensive and inclusive family and friends in and beyond Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Carole was a supportive wife and partner throughout her husband’s successful mining engineering career. A career that took them across the United States, before returning to the Upper Peninsula and settling in Painesdale, Michigan, the greater Houghton Michigan area, for 39 years. During part of this time, Carole enjoyed working at Superior National Bank in Houghton, Michigan. She was an active volunteer and devoted member of the Holy Family Catholic Church in South Range, Michigan. She was involved with and supported Michigan Technological University’s Rozsa Fine Arts Center; as well as the Pine Mountain Arts Festival. She shared John’s avid interest and support for the MTU men’s and women’s sports programs, particularly the basketball programs.

Carole resided at the Bluffs Retirement Home in Houghton, MI, before relocating to Gillette, WY to be closer to family.

A Celebration of Life was held on August 18, 2025, in Gillette, Wyoming.

There will be a quiet family graveside service held for Carole at her final resting place next to family at the Negaunee Cemetery. Koskey Funeral Home of Negaunee is handling arrangements.

Carole was filled with love for people and had a zest for life. She touched many people and will be missed. Our family honors her bright, warm personality loved and revered by many. In memory of her many Porch Parties and family ravioli or pasty dinners, ‘Cheers to you Carole’, for being the best Wife, Mom, Granny, Great-granny, Auntie, and friend to all. Heaven has welcomed a beautiful angel.

Her memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.