Mrs. Jean E. Kotila

Quincy Location Jean E. (William) Kotila, 81, a resident of Quincy Township passed away early Thursday morning October 4, 2012, at the Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital in Laurium following a short illness. She was born on May 3, 1931, in Quincy, a daughter of the late John and Anna (Ollila) Baakko. She was raised in the Quincy Hill area, attended the Quincy School and graduated from the Hancock High School. Jean first was employed at the Five & Dime store in Hancock, before working for the Library at Michigan Technological University, where she retired as secretary to the Library Director. On December 4, 1952, she was united in marriage to William Kotila. The couple first resided in the Detroit area before returning to the Copper Country to make their home in Sing Sing Location and for the past 40 years they have made their home in Quincy Location. Mrs. Kotila was a very active member of the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Hancock, where she was a past member of the church council, a past Superintendent of the Sunday School, presently she was active with the Quilters of the church, helped with the Altar Guild, and sang with the church choir. Jean loved to spend time with her family. She was active with the local Girl Scout troop and the Copper Country Synchronized Skating Academy. Jean was a wonderful cook and crafter, who enjoyed quilting, sewing, and needle point. Her thoughtful, compassionate, forgiving personality and warm smile will never be forgotten. Preceding her in death were her son Thomas Kotila, her parents, her sister, Barbara Ylitalo, and her brothers Donald Karppinen and Gerald Baakko. Surviving are: Her husband: William Kotila of Quincy Location Her children: Jack (Katy) Kotila of Fenton, MI Larry (Joan) Kotila of Hancock Kim Puuri of Hurontown Jeanine (Ryan) Hanchett of Baton Rouge, LA Her grandchildren: Becky, Pam, Chris, Shane, Andy, Matt, Justin, Sean, Nicole, Michael, Tina, Robbie, Angela, Jena, Rachael and Emily Her great grandchildren: Jerry, Gabe, Carter, Emma, Bella, Carson, Samantha, Lily, Carolyn, Allison, Abbie, Jamie and Serenity Her sister: Christine Johnson of Grand Rapids, MI Her brothers: John Baakko of Hancock James Baakko of Hancock, MI Numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins Funeral services for Jean will be held 11 am Monday October 8, 2012, at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church of Hancock with Rev. D.J. Rasner to officiate. Burial will be in the Lakeside Cemetery of Hancock. Friends may call on Sunday October 7, 2012 from 3 to 7 pm at the Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock and from 10 am until time of services at the Church on Monday. To view Jean's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Hancock has been assisting the family with the arrangements.