Paulette Marie Kinnunen

IRONWOOD, Mich. - Paulette Marie Kinnunen, 69, died unexpectedly and went to be with her Lord on Nov. 22, 2020, in Ironwood. She was a resident at the Westgate Living Center in Ironwood since 2010.

Paulette was born May 26, 1951, in Ironwood, the daughter of the late Edwin and Bertha (Maki) Kinnunen. Paulette was one of nine children and attended Roosevelt School in Ironwood Township and the School for Exceptional Children in Wakefield.

Paulette had a kind, innocent heart and a gentle spirit. She was a lifelong member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church in Ironwood. She lived most of her life on the family farm on Airport Road in Ironwood Township with her parents who were loving caregivers to her. In her earlier years, she hand-crafted beautiful, beaded Christmas ornaments in spite of her vision disability. In her later years, she also worked tirelessly to create latch-hook rugs and beaded necklaces that she lovingly gave as gifts to family, friends and the nursing staff at Westgate. She enjoyed the company of dogs, family pets throughout the years and especially when Shamus, a friend's therapy dog visited her.

She is survived by her twin brother, Paul (Julie) Kinnunen of Fort Mojave, Arizona; brothers, Kenneth (Marie) Kinnunen of Ironwood, John (Judi) Kinnunen of Battle Ground, Washington, Calvin (Sandra) Kinnunen of Greer, South Carolina; sisters, Linda (Tony) Negrini of Saint Michael, Minnesota and Karen (Jim) Jorgensen of Rockford; numerous nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; many cousins; extended relatives and friends.

Paulette will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew and loved her.

Besides her parents, Paulette was preceded in death by her sister, Arlene J. Kleimola; and a brother, Gerald E. Kinnunen.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Interment will be at Sunset Acres Cemetery in Ironwood Township.

Paulette's family would like to thank her caregivers at the Westgate Living Center for their kindness and quality care that they provided Paulette throughout her stay.

The family has chosen McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home of Ironwood to honor Paulette's legacy of life. You can leave a condolence or a tribute at mckevittpatricvkfuneralhome.com.