Eva Marie Hill

MARQUETTE, Mich. — Eva Maria Hill, 85, of Ishpeming, passed away peacefully into the Kingdom of Heaven on July 4, 2013 at Marquette General Hospital surrounded by family members.

Born Aug. 17, 1927, in Halsua, Finland, she migrated to America in 1929 with her parents the late Reino and Ellen (Huusko) Lahti. Eva was married to Ronald John Hill of Baraga in Detroit on Nov. 9, 1945.

Eva’s greatest loves were her family, knitting and pride of her Finnish heritage. Eva strongly believed that giving was far more important than receiving and as a result, Eva never allowed anyone to be hungry or cold. One of her many greatest gifts was her ability to make you laugh and understand what is really most important in life. There were always treats on the table, Eva urging you to eat something as well knitted afghans, socks, hats and baby sets on hand for anyone that might need them. Eva was fluent in Finnish and loved to teach her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren a few words.

During the course of her life Eva worked at several different companies including Fisher Body of General Motors in Detroit and White Pine Copper Company in White Pine. It was at White Pine Copper Company that she was trained in computer programming where the first computer Eva worked on was the size of a large furnace.

After Ronald’s death in 1969, Eva moved to Ishpeming and then to Milwaukee until her retirement, when she then moved back to Ishpeming, where she peacefully remained until her death.

Eva was preceded in death by her mother, Ellen; father, Reino; husband, Ronald; sisters, Elma (Wayne) Bakka and Elsie (Robert) Usitalo; brother, Erwin (Arlene) Lahti; brother-in-law, Robert Usitalo; and nephew, John Usitalo.

She is survived by two daughters, Suzanne (Raymond) Perttu of Bergland and Sandra (Dennis) Leaf of Milwaukee; as well as grandchildren James (Jodene) Perttu, Green Bay, Wis., Jill (Russell) Hansen, Gwinn, Ronald (Jane) Perttu, Green Bay, Stephen (Tania) Leaf, Milwaukee, Marta Leaf, Milwaukee, and Joseph Leaf, West Palm Beach, Fla .; nine great-grandchildren, Brooke, Aaron (Samantha), Mackenzie and Alexis Perttu, Benjamin Hansen, Olivia and Nathan Perttu, Brett Leaf, and Andrew Leaf; a great-great-granddaughter, Alexzandra Perttu; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, July 12 at 1 p.m. in the Baraga Cemetery. Rev. Leon Jarvis will officiate. Fellowship will follow the service at the Hilltop Cafe in L’Anse for friends and family.

In the spirit of keeping with Eva’s desire to give rather than receive, the family asks that no cards be sent and in lieu, please give to the charity of your choice instead, as that is what Eva would have wanted.

The Jacobson Funeral Home of L’Anse is assisting the family. Friends may sign Eva’s guest book or send condolences at jacobsonfuneralhome.com.