Marian Girardi

MARIAN GIRARDI VULCAN- Marian B. Girardi age 81 of Vulcan, went to be with the Lord on Friday, December 28, 2007 at ManorCare Health Services in Kingsford, MI. She was born April 20, 1926 in Vulcan, the oldest daughter of the late John and Frances (Stachowicz) Zychowski. Marian graduated from Vulcan High School in June 1946. She married Francis J. Girardi on April 19, 1947 in St. Barbara Church in Vulcan. He preceded her in death on September 21, 2002. Marian was a member of St. Barbara Church, St. Barbara's Women’s League, and is an associate member of the Legion of Mary. In 1989 she took a bus trip to Canada to see Pope John Paul II, “I’ll never forget it!” she would say. She belonged to the Dickinson County MSU Extension group for many years. Was Homemaker of the Year in 1989. Helped out at the Dickinson County Fair and won many times in the fair baking entries. Was a member Norvulet Post #4581, V.F.W. She did volunteer work for 28 years at the VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain. Went to 16 National Conventions. In 1986-87 she was president of District 15. She walked the Mackinaw Bridge in 1993-94, hand in hand with Gov. John Engler, when her husband Francis was on the Honor Guard for State Commander Chic LaFaive. They went to the Holland, MI., Tulip Festival in 1994 where the drill team lead the parade. Grand Marshall was Myron Floren (the accordion player) from the Lawrence Welk Show. “I got a hug and kiss from him and swore I would never wash my cheek again”, she said. Marian and her husband Francis organized the Avenue of Flags in Norway Township Cemetery started in 1984. She was a V.F.W. Auxiliary Deputy Representative for the V.A. Medical Center in Iron Mountain. She was also a lifetime charter member of the National WWII Memorial Society in Washington, D.C. She was a member of the AMVETS 777 Auxiliary. Received the Community Service Award in Dec. 1991 awarded by Norway Chapter 251 O.E.S. presented by Allen & June Brown. Over the years Marian had several jobs ranging from working for Mirro-Matic in Two Rivers, WI., Sewing Factory in Iron Mountain, making army jackets, waitress at the Gem Bar, J&J Bar and cooking fish fries on Friday nights at the Town Tap. She picked potatoes on the Oelke farm and cleaned at Norway Gravure. Marian and Francis became owners of the Veterans Inn Bar in Norway after the death of their son Jim in 1976, they retired in 1983. She enjoyed canning, baking, volunteer work and raising a family of four sons. The apples of her eyes were her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren. She had a special place in her heart for each one of them. We love you Grandma. Marian is survived by her sons Robert (Ginger) Girardi of Vulcan, Daniel (Jill) Girardi of Vulcan, and John (Debbie) Girardi of Gladstone; Grandchildren Travis (Kristie) Girardi, Jeannie (Larry) Tarr, Bradley (Rachel Watters) Girardi, Janelle (Russ Dumais) Girardi, Ryan (Jeanine) Girardi, and Devon (Shawn VanSlooten) Girardi, Justin Micheau, Melissa Micheau and Brittany Delke; Great Grandchildren Lindsie, Amber and James Girardi, and Sawyer Tarr; sisters Lorraine Curran, Dolores (Harvey) Tomasini; brother Richard (Jeanette) Zychowski; sisters-in-law Virginia Zychowski and Rose Dzik; many nieces and nephews. Marian was preceded in death by her infant daughter Mary Frances Girardi and son James Allen Girardi and brother Raymond Zychowski. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 1 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Miner-Ortman Funeral Home in Norway. Special Services : V.F.W. Auxiliary Service will be at 6:30 p.m. Parish Prayers will be at 7 p.m. Prayers will be on Wednesday, January 2 at 10:30 a.m. at the Miner-Ortman Funeral Home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Barbara Church, with Fr. James Roetzer presidin

Marian Girardi

April 20, 1926 - December 28, 2007