Theresa L. Maki

ISHPEMING, MI – Theresa Lee Maki, age 60, of Ishpeming, passed away unexpectedly at home on Wednesday, August 13, 2025.

Born to John and Toini (Tarris) Lahti, Theresa grew up exploring the woods, camping with her family, and sharing spirited board-game marathons with her older brother, Norman.

She began her work life as a Mining Journal paper carrier - a role she returned to for thirty years alongside her husband, Blair Maki, after they were married in Marquette. In between those decades of dawn-deliveries, Theresa brightened mornings at the Ishpeming Senior Center, where she first met Blair and forged friendships that lasted a lifetime.

For the last six years, she kept Jasper Ridge Inn sparkling as a dedicated housekeeper, greeting guests with kindness and care. Her warm smile, quick laugh, and genuine interest in others left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

She is survived by her mother, Toini Lahti, of Ishpeming; brother Norman Lahti of Chicago; her aunts and uncles Russell (Linda) Tarris of Marquette, Lauri (Shirley) Tarris of Athens, TN, Stan (Anna) Tarris of Hermansville, MI, Kathy (Del) Dravland of Little Lake; and numerous cousins.

She joins in eternal rest her husband, Blair; her father, John; mother-in-law, Vivian Maki; her grandparents, Toini (Raymond) Koski and Sylvia (Arvo) Lahti; and her beloved aunt Martha Lahti.

A memorial service will be held at Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 27th, with visitation beginning at 11:30 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. Pastor Tim Johnston will be officiating. Following the service, interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the cemetery at Bethel Lutheran Church in the Pioneer Hall.

A full obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where relatives and friends are invited to leave notes of remembrance.

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