Eva Mae Massi

BESSEMER, Mich. - Eva Mae Massi, 88, of Bessemer, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, at Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield, with her daughter, Jody, at her side.

Eva was born on July 5, 1936, in Petoskey, to Florin and Bessie (Hathaway) Warren. She grew up in Wolverine, Watersmeet and Crystal Falls. Eva graduated from Crystal Falls High School in 1953.

She married Warren David Wirtanen in 1953. They were blessed with a son, William Darwin, and a daughter, Jacqueline Amanda. Warren passed away in 1963.

Eva married the love of her life, Virgil John Massi, in April 1964. They were blessed with a daughter, Jody Ann. When marrying Virgil, she gained four stepchildren, Richard, Rudolph, Ronald and Patricia. Virgil passed away on July 10, 1990.

Eva worked at Modern Case and then at the Ben Franklin store, both in Bessemer, until the closure of the latter store and then transferred to the Ironwood Ben Franklin store until she retired.

Eva was a very crafty person. She did many different crafts, but her love was sewing. She sewed just about anything. Eva made clothes, quilts, and later in life, she made potholders. If you helped her in any way, you were offered a set of potholders.

Eva was a faithful member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ramsay. For years, she was a member of the Women's Circle, LWML and the Quilters Guild. She was a regular at Sunday service and Bible study until she wasn't able to go any longer. If she couldn't go to church, she made sure to watch a service on the television. Her faith always has kept her going for many years.

Eva is survived by a son, William (Terri) Wirtanen; a daughter, Jody (Daniel) Jurakovich; two stepchildren, Ronald Massi and Patricia (Tony) Comparin; her son-in-law, David Hoglund; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Jacqueline; two stepsons, Richard and Rudolph; three brothers, Elmer, Lloyd and Jimmy; a sister, Barbara; and her fur child, Stella (a.k.a. Snort).

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 11 a.m., preceded by visitation at 10 a.m., at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ramsay, with the Rev. Stephen Pope officiating.

Luncheon will be served at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3673, 605 W. Lead St., in Bessemer immediately following the service.

A committal service and interment will take place in the spring at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer.

Memorial contributions may be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, E8223 Sanders Road, Bessemer, MI 49911.

Eva's family would like to thank the staff at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility and Dr. James Rocco for all the care that was given to her in her final months.

Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.