"Dear Maki family: I wish to give you my sincere sympathy with the loss of your loved one, Phyllis. I did not know Phyllis well but I had the pleasure of seeing her several times with mutual friends. She always had a smile and emanated an aura that drew people to her, which is why I will always remember her. God bless your family at this difficult time. Sincerely, Nona L. (Hornung) Uren Originally from Gwinn"
In loving memory of
PHYLLIS C. MAKI
November 9, 1938 - April 11, 2009
Phyllis C. Maki, a tireless, pioneering woman who worked toward the betterment of life for all citizens in the Upper Peninsula, died Saturday morning, April 11, 2009 at Mill Creek Assisted Living after a four-year battle with ALS. She was 70.
Phyllis was born on November 9, 1938 in Marquette, one of ten children of Homer J. and Elizabeth Marie (LaBonte) Gingras. A lifelong Marquette resident, she was a 1956 graduate of Bishop Baraga High School and attended Northern Michigan University where she received an Honorary Alumna diploma in 1998.
Phyllis was employed as Chief Financial Officer of Public Service Garage in Marquette, retiring in March of 2007 after a career of 36 years.
A civic leader in many ways, Phyllis formerly served on the board of directors of the NMU College of Business, and the NMU Development Fund where she was integrally involved with its first ever capital campaign. She was treasurer of both the Lake Superior Community Partnership and the Lake Superior Jobs Coalition, was a board member and past president of the Marquette County Economic Club, a member of the Marquette Ambassadors, and served as chair of the fundraising committee for the YMCA Ball from 1987 – 2006. Phyllis was a member of both the NMU Golden Wildcat Club and the Blue Line Club, the Forest Roberts Theater First Nighters Club as well as numerous other civic committees.
In 2007, Phyllis was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by Northern Michigan University, in 1998 she received the Athena Award, and just last month was recognized by the Marquette City Commission for her work with the Marquette General Hospital Finance Advisory. She was named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International in 1998 for assisting others in the community to reach their goals. She was also a member of St. Peter Cathedral.
Phyllis is survived by her loving husband of 29 years, Carlo Maki, whom she married on September 25, 1979; three children, Deborah (John) Veiht of Marquette, Michael (Diane) Summers of Orlando, FL and David (Cody) Maki of Denver, CO; four special grandchildren, Michael Veiht, Troy Summers, Mareena Maki and Erik Maki; her loving mother, Elizabeth Gingras of Marquette; nine siblings, Clem (Carol) Gingras of Iron Mountain, Sharon Haglund of Ann Arbor, Ronald (Barbara) Gingras of Marquette, Francis (Jacqueline) Gingras of Traverse City, David (Judy) Gingras of Muskegon, William (Linda) Gingras of Traverse City, Mary (Gerald) Messenger of Manistique, Carol (David) Liagre of New Albany, IN and Robert (Joyce) Gingras of Traverse City; also numerous nieces and nephews.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her father, Homer J. Gingras on October 7, 1990; also two infant twin brothers.
Friends may call at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home on Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. where a parish prayer service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 11 a.m. in St. Peter Cathedral with the Rev. Timothy Ekaitis officiating.
Pallbearers will be R. Thomas Peters, Robert Mallette, Daniel Mazzuchi and William Gingras. The caring staff of Mill Creek Assisted Living will act as honorary escorts.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Phyllis Maki's memory to the Phyllis and Carlo Maki Endowed Scholarship at Northern Michigan University, 1401 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette, MI, 49855 or Beacon House, 1301 N. Third St., Marquette, MI 49855 or the YMCA of Marquette County, 1420 Pine St., Marquette, MI 49855 or to the Lake Superior Hospice Association, 914 W. Baraga Ave., Marquette, MI 49855.
Tributes
"Phyllis will be missed. She was such a warm and caring women. My thoughts and prayer are with all her family during their loss. Rest in Peace Phyliss."
"Dear Carlo and Family; May Gods Peace and Grace be with you and the family. We always hate to lose a friend and an avid community oriented person. Her work will be long remembered by all of us that have been touched by her tremendous spirit. To have known Phyllis and to have been able to work with her has been an honor. The Ardis and Ron Klumb Family"
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Aunt Phyllis was a remarkable and distinguished woman who's legacy will thrive for years to come. Many young lives have and will forever be influenced by the proactive and forward thinking she possessed. She will be missed greatly. All our love, Greg and Natalie Hazen, Grant, Riley, and Carter"
"phyllis was one of the most generous,sweet and caring people i have ever had the pleasure to know..she is an inspiration..i enjoyed every moment i spent with her"
"Dear Carlo and Family, I want to express my sorrow for your loss of one of the classiest ladies I have known. May God comfort you at this difficult time."
"A friendly smile, a cheerful wave, a kind word...Phyllis was a treasure and will be greatly missed."
"Dear Carlo, Memories of times with you and Phyllis are so dear. Although we did not see one another often, every occasion was special. You are in my thoughts at this difficult time. Dolores (Dee) Zweifel Crock"
"Dear Carlo and family, We were saddened to hear of your loss, Phyllis was such a wonderful person. She had a smile to brighten everyone's day and will be missed by all. God Bless, Kirk and Colleen Nelson"
"Dear Maki Family, Our community, our university and so many organizations have lost a wonderful friend. She will be sorely missed but surely remembered. Our sincere sympathy."
"Dear Carlo and family, I am so sorry for the loss of this wonderful, beautiful woman and I celebrate her life in my thoughts and prayers. I wish I could be there to share my love for Phyllis but I know you will be rich with the love of those who can be there. Phyllis touched so many lives. We are all the better for knowing her. With all my love, Kathy Saville"
"Dear Carlo.. It seemed like 'yesterday' , but it was in 2006, when you gave us the sad news of Phyllis' illness.. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you..along with sincere sympathy and condolences. May God grant you the needed strength in this time of sorrow.. She will be sorely missed.. Bob and Ruth ( Hattula) Hill"
"Debbie, Mike and family, I am so sorry for your lose. I have such wonderful memories of your mom while we were all growing up. You are in my heart, thoughts and prayers. Debbie"
"Dear Carlo and Family; The loss of Phyllis will be felt through out the community. If there was a project that needed to be done, we were lucky to have Phyllis on the job. She was an inspiration to be with and a mentor to many business women, and men, in the area. There will never be anyone quite like her. How fortunate you all were to have her for a wife and mother. She loved and nurtured her family as the most important of all of her projects. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in the beautiful memories of this amazing woman. Gods Peace Maggie Mahoney"
"Phyllis was a very special woman, and will be missed by all. Best regards, David, Regina and Kira"
"Dear Deb, Michael, David, Carlo and Gingras Family, Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you, along with sincere sympathy and condolences. We have wonderful memories of your mom while we were all growing up during the summers at camp. We all will miss her dearly. May you find comfort in the many special memories of Phyllis who we all loved so much. May the Lord grant you the needed strength in this time of sorrow. Sincerely, Ann Marie (John) Bernardi Marykay (Don) Hes David (Mary) Shaw Mark (Judy) Shaw and Mary Lou Shaw"
"Dear Carlo and Family, We join you in celebrating Phyllis' life as we feel the loss of someone we loved so much. She enriched our lives and the lives of so many others. There have been few friends so dear and none as caring for others as Phyllis. She loved her family, her friends, her community, and "her University." She gave of her talents generously and we are much richer for her kindness and her leadership. Every time she was asked to step forward, she did. Northern Michigan University, Marquette, and the entire region are better because Phyllis cared deeply about improving the lives of others. I treasure our special "girl friend" moments together and Bren and I miss those wonderful times with both of you. You are dear friends and we hold you close in our hearts. While we cannot be in Marquette right now, our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you and the family. May we all smile as genuinely and brightly as Phyllis and may we share her grace and love for one another. Love, Judi and Bren Bailey"
"To Carlo and family: I am terribly sorry for your loss. Although I only knew Phyllis for a short time, she touched my life and the lives of many at Mill Creek. I am so glad to have known such an amazing person. She was loved by all of us at Mill Creek. She will be truly missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers."
"Phyllis and I shared many ideas and thoughts regarding NMU and its future. She served as the NMU Foundation Chairperson for 8 years at which time she and others kindly asked me to fill her shoes (big shoes to fill) as the next Chairperson. Phyllis and I grew our relationship and in transition I soon understood her full character, drive and commitment to this institution and all connected. She was a strong mentor and I will miss her positive attitude and smile. The work will continue and I know you are watching the progress. Tom"
"Dear Carlos and Family: So sorry to hear of your loss. Phyllis was a one of a kind and I will keep her in my prayers. Remember the good times always. Sincerely, Neil"
"Dearest Carlo, Debbie and family, Please know that you're in my heart and prayers, and that the entire community is mourning with you. Phyllis was one of the most loving and giving people I've ever met. Her spirit and generosity were seemingly endless! She was a mentor, a role model and a loving friend to so many of us. I am truly blessed to have called her my friend, and will miss her terribly. There doesn't seem to have ever been a time when Phyllis wasn't there to turn to for help and support; for myself or any worthy project for the community. I loved the magnitude of her love for Carlo, and how proud she was of her family. Thank you all for sharing her with us."
"Dear Carlo & family, We are saddened to learn of your loss. Phyllis was a "sparkle" in the crowd and on your arm. We enjoyed the times we shared with you two. Our thoughts & prayers are with you in this time of loss--and in celebration of a life well lived. Karen & Jim Ombrello"
"Debbie & Family, We are very sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Phyllis was an amazing person! She will be remembered by many."
"My life was so much richer having know Phyllis. She has been an inspiration to everyone in our community and she was a mentor to me. I will miss her encouragement and her kindness. My heart goes out to the family during this time of great sorrow."
"Carlo and family ... my deepest sympathy. Phyllis will truly be missed by our entire community, yet she certainly has left it a better place and I am better person for knowing her. Phyllis has always been there for me, supporting me and encouraging me to always do my best. She was a inspiration, a mentor and a dear friend. God just got a great angel!! Thinking of all of you. God Bless!"