Audrey Marie (nee Johnson) Franti

EWEN, Mich. - Audrey Marie (nee Johnson) Franti, 83, of Ewen, passed peacefully Monday, Dec. 28, 2015, with her husband and brother at her side.

She was born March 27, 1932, and grew up in the Finnish community of Ewen, marrying her childhood sweetheart, David Franti, recently commemorating 63 years together.

In 1952, they embarked on a life journey that allowed them to travel and live in Europe - compliments of the U.S. Air Force, including three years in England, U.K., and 16 years in the Texas cities of Big Spring, Fort Worth and Lubbock. Together they raised four children, Ann, David, Gerald and Debra.

Audrey was always quick to volunteer a favorite recipe from her kitchen with family, friends and church events, wherever they lived.

Audrey remained active in church clubs and study groups her entire life. She fostered a multi-generational love for music and good books among her family.

A full circle relocation found them returning to the Upper Peninsula, where Marquette served as a staging location for a number of years while kids graduated from school and they built their retirement home in Ewen.

Drawing on her early years speaking Finnish taught by her immigrant relatives, she was able to connect dots with present-day Finnish relatives when they exchanged visits to Ewen and Finland.

A lifelong love of gardening cultivated a colorful yard for all to enjoy in passing and for the seasons to come.

Audrey is survived by her husband, David J .; a brother, Eugene (Alice) Johnson, of Ewen; two sons, David G. of Ohio, and Gerald, of Minnesota; a daughter, Debra, of Minnesota; two daughters-in-law, Marcia (nee Johnson) and Kathy (nee Lemire), both formerly of Marquette; four grandchildren, Sara Kemp and Ryan Franti, both of Ohio, and Olivia Franti and Quinn Franti, both of Minnesota; three great-grandchildren, Brookelyn, Mya and Taylor, all of Ohio; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Waiting for her in Heaven are her parents, Severt and Mary (nee Korhonen) Johnson; a brother, Norman Johnson, and a daughter, Ann Marie.

The family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016, from 10 to 11 a.m. (EST) at First Lutheran Church in Ewen. A memorial service will follow the visitation at 11 a.m. EST, with the Rev. Bill Jacobson officiating.

Lunch will be served at the church fellowship hall following the service.

Committal services and interment will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Ewen, in the spring.

Arrangements are under the direction of Jerald Rocco, owner-manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Online condolences may be made to lakesidememorialchapel.com.