Martha M. Saaranen

ROCKLAND, Mich. — Martha M. Saaranen, 76, of Rockland, died unexpectedly on her birthday, Dec. 26, 2021, from a brief illness.

Martha was born on Dec. 26, 1945, in Ontonagon, the daughter of Sulo and Sylvia Laitala.

Martha married Harold Saaranen on March 12, 1966, and would have three children, Cheryl, Brenda and Howie. She shared her life with Harold until his passing on Aug. 10, 2012.

Martha was a nurse both at work and at home. She worked for 56 years at the hospital in Ontonagon and was still working PRN. She was an incredible, loving, caring human being. She lived her life in service to others, always caring for one person or another. She was a proud member of the Siloa Lutheran Church in Ontonagon.

Martha was passionate about gardening, photography, riding the UTV, going to the casino and watching any of the kids’ sporting events, traveling as far as Mississippi to see them.

Martha was one of the kindest women to ever walk this earth, she touched so many lives with her loving heart, her hugs were the best and she would hug you whether she knew you or not.

Martha is survived by her children, Cheryl Dahlke (Russ), Brenda Brookins (Tom) and Howie; grandchildren, Nicole, Kaitlyn, Taylor, Brianna, Maegan, Sabastian, Jacob and Jackson; great-grandchildren, Talia, Emmett and Akari; sisters, Dorothy Erickson, Elsie Sulkanen, Marjorie Amos, Carol Lukkari and Joanne Sorenson; and multiple nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; and parents Sylvia and Sulo Laitala.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Cane Funeral Home in Ontonagon. A funeral service will be held on Monday, Jan. 3, at Siloa Lutheran Church in Ontonagon at 11 a.m. Burial will take place in the spring at Woodlawn Cemetery in Rockland.

Cane Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.