Mary Johanna Tiradani

BESSEMER, Mich. – Mary Johanna Tiradani, 98, a longtime resident of Bessemer, passed away Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020.

Mary was born on Aug. 27, 1922, in Ironwood, a daughter of Domenic and Catterina (Bortoli) Dalle Ave. They moved to Lombard, Illinois when she was a child and later to Asiago, Italy. Mary began schooling there until the age of 8. She learned to read and write in Italian and was able to be an interpreter for many people who came to her with letters from Italy.

The family left Italy and arrived in Ironwood in 1930. Here she continued her education at Newport School, Puritan School and A.D. Johnston High School, and graduated in 1941.

Mary worked for a short time in Milwaukee at Allis Chalmers.

On May 1, 1943, she married Joseph J. Tiradani at St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Ironwood officiated by the Rev. Monsignor J.B. Moriarty.

They made their home in Baraboo, Wisconsin, and later in Allen Park, Michigan. Her husband worked at Ford Motor Company until he retired in 1975. They settled at Lake Gogebic and Bessemer. Joe died on Dec. 29, 2017.

Deceased members of her family are her parents; and a brother, Dante Primo. She is survived by a sister, Ada Facchinello; and many nieces and nephews and their children.

Mary loved being outdoors and enjoyed living in the Upper Peninsula. She had a green thumb and was very knowledgeable about flowers, shrubs and trees. The Tiradani's always kept extensive vegetable and flower gardens, until the deer took over and devoured everything.

Mary was a terrific seamstress and excelled in needlecraft arts. Her baking skills will be remembered, tins filled with homemade pizzelles and cookies at Christmas time.

Mary kept in touch with friends and family by writing letters with her beautiful penmanship. She was a family historian and would record events and travel adventures in charming scrapbooks and photo albums. She was able to recall details as far back as childhood Christmases in Italy.

Most of all Mary was a consummate homemaker and enjoyed all the simple everyday pleasures life had to offer. Mary and Joe had a very special relationship and were married for 74 years. She missed her husband terribly after he passed. Her wish was that they may be together again in eternal life.

Mary was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Bessemer.

Rite of Committal and interment will take place at Hillcrest Cemetery, Bessemer.

Expressions of affection in a charitable contribution in Mary's memory are suggested in lieu of flowers to St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 210 E. Iron St., Bessemer, MI 49911.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the caring staff at Sky View Nursing Center in Hurley, Wisconsin, and to Dr. Jim Rocco for his professional care.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.