Christine R. (Bretall) Carli

Bessemer, Mich. - Christine Rose (Bretall) Carli, 70, of Bessemer, passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Aspirus Hospital in Wausau after a brief battle with pneumonia and cardiac complications.

Chris was born Dec. 7, 1952, at the Divine Infant Hospital in Wakefield, to Bernard Bretall and Alice (Smith) Bretall. Christine was the oldest daughter of seven siblings: Bernard (Lupita) Bretall, Barry (Janice) Bretall, Daniel Bretall (deceased January 2021), Suzanne Bretall, David (Joanne) Bretall and Joanni (Paul) Jurmu.

Christine "Chris" attended A.D. Johnston high school in Bessemer, and graduated in 1971. Shortly after, she enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and completed basic training in Parris Island, SC and was later stationed in San Diego, California.

Chris is survived by two sons, William (Allison) Carli and Daniel Carli, both of Ironwood. Both sons would drive her mad running around the house playing and tracking in iron ore from outside but, she always had a smile on her face during supper and bath time. Chris enjoyed long bike rides with her sons to Norrie Park, playing basketball in the evenings and watching football on Sundays. She was an avid reader and enjoyed books about the Kennedy family, Abraham Lincoln and Michael Landon.

Chris is also survived by her grandchildren, Gabriella, Payton and Sebastian.

Some of Chris's happiest moments were playing with her brothers and sisters in Anvil and Ramsay sled riding until after dark, swimming in the summer at the park, and roasting hot dogs by the fire with her family.

Per Chris's wishes, her ashes will be spread where she spent her most joyful moments as a child playing in Anvil and Ramsay. A novena has been read internationally by the Franciscan Missions of the world and a celebration of life gathering will be held at the end of summer at her son Billy's.

You will never be forgotten mom. Fly freely in heaven without pain or suffering. Until we see each other again, we love you always.