Mildred Miriam Ozanich
February 22, 2016Share using:
Mildred Miriam (Mattson) Ozanich passed away on February 22, 2016 in Calumet, Michigan. Born on April 30, 1931 in Boston Location, “Millie” was Nellie and Wilhart Mattson’s fourth of six children. She graduated from Hancock High School in 1949 and soon after high school worked for the Singer Sewing Company in Houghton and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. On December 31, 1954, she married Tony P. Ozanich of Franklin Mine and the couple moved to Lansing so Tony could complete his degree at Michigan State University. It was in Lansing where they welcomed their first born child, Karen Sue; then Laura Jean in Dearborn, Lisa Marie in Marquette, and finally Jane Renee in Calumet. After their fourth child, they decided to stop moving and build a home in Dollar Bay, which is where they placed their roots.
Anyone who knew Millie was well aware of her artistic talents, her creativity, and her impeccable sewing skills. She was a gifted seamstress and chose to make most of her daughters’ clothes, including their wedding gowns and all of the bridesmaids’ dresses. She carried on that tradition by sewing clothes and elaborate Halloween costumes for her three grandchildren. She enjoyed knitting and making quilts and gave many of the items she made to Faith Lutheran Church to share with their charities. Millie played an active role in her children’s lives, serving as their Girl Scout leader; attending their band concerts, school plays, basketball games, and cross-country/track meets. She was the kind of parent that took the time to make cupcakes to bring to school on her daughters’ birthdays and saw that the teachers received unique homemade presents on holidays and on the last day of school. She always took the time to make things special.
Millie was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters (Ruth and Beatrice), and her brother Paul. She is survived by her sister Bertha Backstrom of Laurium, her brother Allen (Fern) of Cloverland, and numerous nieces and nephews. She leaves behind her lifelong companion and best friend of more than 60 years, Tony; her daughters: Karen Siekas (Robert) of Traverse City; Laura Bourdo (Michael) of Scottsdale; Lisa Krieber (Frank) of Saline; and Jane of Ypsilanti; three grandchildren: Anna, Katie, and Andrew; her great-grandchild, Leighton; and numerous dog, cat, and guinea pig “grandchildren.”
A memorial service will be held at the O’Neill Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock on Friday, February 26 at 11am with visitation from 10-11am. Pastor R.V. Langseth, a close family friend, will officiate. Burial will be at Lake View Cemetery in Calumet in the spring.
Contributions in memory of Mildred may be made to organizations serving children with special needs.
The family would like to thank the staff at Gardenview for their care and support.
To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com. The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements.