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MARQUETTE, MI – Marjory Jean Tavernini, 97, of Marquette, passed away Tuesday evening, October 13, 2026 surrounded by her loving family and an extraordinary medical team at UP Health System-Marquette.
She was born March 16, 1929, in Calumet, MI, a daughter of Charles and Aili (Ingala) Rastello. She was raised there and was a 1947 graduate of Calumet High School.
Marjory met Lawrence Tavernini at the Calumet Radar Station while he was serving in the US Air Force and the couple were married in 1952. They were stationed at several Air Bases during his military career including 10 years in Oklahoma before settling in Marquette in 1967.
She worked at the Warrala Drug Store and Soda Fountain in Calumet when she met her husband, and chose to be a homemaker when she and Lawrence started their family. She always said that being a wife and mother were the greatest roles she would ever have, and her children felt that love every day of their lives.
Marjory loved traveling with her husband, visiting Italy, Spain, England, Greece and Yugoslavia as well as vacationing in Florida and Hawaii. She will be remembered as a fabulously devoted mother who loved to entertain with elaborate dinner parties, holiday dinners and celebrations. She was the quintessential hostess, and made everyone in her midst feel welcomed and loved.
Marjory is survived by her children, Allyssa (John Charles) Anderson, John Tavernini and Mary (Kevin) Dowling, daughter-in-law, Rebecca Tavernini all of Marquette; grandchildren, Katrina and Adam Tavernini, Tara (Ryan) Korslin and Patrick Dowling; nieces & nephews, Karen (Chuck) Cavis of San Antonio, TX, Peter (Sue) Cloutier of Hancock, Nonnie (Ted) Karvonen of Laurium and Julie Rastello of Calumet. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lawrence; son, Lawrence A. Tavernini; and siblings, Rita, Charles & Paul Peter.
Marjory was a member of St. Peter Cathedral. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 from 10 to 11 am at St. Peter Cathedral. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 with Rev. Zachary Mazurek. Interment will take place in Lakeview Cemetery in Calumet on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 1 pm.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that friends might instead consider a donation in her memory to the Steve Mariucci Family Beacon House.
The family would also like to express their appreciation to all the medical professionals at UP Health System who cared for Marjory during her time in the hospital. They showed such love and concern for her, and will always be remembered for their many kindnesses.
Fassbender Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family where memories may be shared at fassbenderswansonhansen.com