Lyrel B. St. John, 90 of Marquette, passed away Friday, October 16, 2020 at U.P. Health System-Marquette where she was a patient a few days.
Lyrel was born on April 4, 1930, one of seven children born to the late Robert and Flora (Quilliam) Larson and was a lifelong area resident. She attended Bishop Baraga grade school and graduated from Graveraet High School in 1948.
Lyrel volunteered for 15 years at Marquette General Hospital in the Heart Club and also as a Friendly Visitor to those who had no one to visit them. She loved her work very much. She was a member of St. Peter Cathedral as well as its Women's Club and was a former member of the Daughters of Isabella for many years.
Lyrel was the happiest in her kitchen, cooking and baking, canning, making pasties, and also knitting and spending time in her garden. More than anything else however, she thoroughly enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Survivors include her husband of 71 years, Fred St. John, whom she married on April 23, 1949 at St. Peter Cathedral; four children, Tom (Debbie) St. John, Gregg (Leslie) St. John and Cathy St. John, all of Marquette, and Jill (Mike) Maki of Green Bay, WI; seven grandchildren, Jason and Kyle St. John, Nathan St. John, Jennifer Happ, Crystal Noble, Jacob and Dana Maki; three great grandchildren, Lilah and Evan Happ and Greyson Noble. Preceding her in death besides her parents were six siblings, Lowell, Darrell and Robert Larson, Clyde Quilliam, Eileen Suvanto and Lorraine Stickney.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 21st at 12 Noon in St. Peter Cathedral with the Rev. Msgr. Michael Steber officiating. The St. John family will greet relatives and friends in the Bishop's Room of the cathedral beginning at 10:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass in the cathedral on Wednesday. Entombment will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum.
Lyrel's Funeral Mass will be live streamed at https://my.gather.app/remember/lyrel-b-st-john
Those wishing to make an expression of sympathy are kindly asked to consider the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 2119 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette, MI 49855 in Mrs. St. John's memory.
Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the St. John family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.
Tributes
Joy Hillier wrote on Oct 24, 2020:
"never was introduced to this wonderful lady ,but worked with her husband and he spoke of her with great love, and also her son Deacon Greg is one of the Deacons at my church. he spoke of his mother often, both men admired this lady and I feel sad for them at her passing, she will be greatly missed we know she will rest in peace in gods arms. . "
Natashka McDonald wrote on Oct 21, 2020:
"I am so sorry Cathy to hear of your mom\'s passing. She was such a nice lady and a truly kind person. Even though it\'s been years since I\'ve lived in the UP, I remember with great fondness and love all the lovely people there, including your mom and all of your family. RIP Mrs. St. John. "
Curtis W. Campbell wrote on Oct 21, 2020:
"My condolences to your family & hugs from my heart ... Curtis Campbell"
Larry Bergwall wrote on Oct 21, 2020:
"St. John Family
I am sorry to hear of Lyrel\'s pasting. She was a great person. Her and Fred were my son\'s fill in grandparents. I will always remember the good times we had in Cardiac Rehab. She will truly be missed.
The Bergwall Family"
Marquette Area Public Schools wrote on Oct 21, 2020:
"Extending to you and your family this heartfelt assurance of deep sympathy,
Marquette Area Public Schools
Board of Education and Employees"
Dr. Julie Higbie wrote on Oct 20, 2020:
"Fred and Cathy, so sorry to hear about Lyrel. What a treasure she was to the MGH Heart Club and to me. I\'ve loved getting to know all of you over the years and enjoying all the stories. Take care my friends, may God Bless You! Julie Higbie"
Jack & Gail Schneider wrote on Oct 20, 2020:
"St.John Family,
Our condolences to you all during this difficult time, cherish the memories.
Jack & Gail Schneider"
Jean Morrison wrote on Oct 20, 2020:
"Fred I am so sorry for the loss of Lyrel. I met you guys when you would come in for valet service at the hospital. Such a sweet person.
Prayers to you and the family."
Denise Huss wrote on Oct 20, 2020:
"Deeply sorry for your loss. Your mom was such a gracious lady and always greeted me with a smile. God Bless you all.
Denise Huss"
Carolyn Crowley wrote on Oct 19, 2020:
"Mrs. St. John was such a lovely lady as she served students and staff in the school cafeteria...Beautiful smile on her face everyday. May her family be surrounded with love at this time of sorrow. "
Barb Lloyd larson wrote on Oct 19, 2020:
"I was so sad to see of Lyrels passing I have known the st John\'s for many many years she was a wonderful loving woman praying for u all sending much love ??"
B. Alexander wrote on Oct 19, 2020:
"Cathy, I\'m so very sorry for you and your family. Praying for you all. ? Brenda "
Mike Gregorich wrote on Oct 19, 2020:
"St. John Family,
Sorry for your loss, may good memories help you get through this time.
God Bless,
Mike Gregorich and family"
Roz wrote on Oct 17, 2020:
"Cathy : My sincere condolences to you and all of your family ! Take care of Freddy and let me know if you need anything...????"