Valerie S. Kivioja, 74, of Marquette, died Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at Mill Creek Assisted Living while under the care of UP Home Health & Hopice.
She was born February 14, 1946, in Escanaba, a daughter of the late Norman J. and Nyda C. (Johnson) Tebear and attended catholic schools there.
Valerie worked as a sales associate at St. Vincent De Paul for 19 years. She also was a successful Avon representative and earned membership in the President's Club.
Over the years Valerie resided in Escanaba, Gwinn & Ishpeming. She was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and enjoyed crocheting, gardening, knitting, animal watching, cooking, her pet cats, and spending time with her grandchildren.
Valerie is survived by her three children, Sheila Mogavero of Negaunee, Dennis J. Kivioja, Jr. of Cornell and Shawna (Troy) Richardson of Oakwood, IL; grandchildren, David (fiancee, Whitleigh Jarvis) Allyn, Samantha (fiancée Jim Meyers) Allyn, Brianna Kirchner, Christina Chaplin, Alex Kivioja and Cheyenne Richardson; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, Robert (Barbara) Tebear of Escanaba; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Jerry, Jim, David, Marilyn, Theresa and Ann Marie.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, November 16, 2020 at 12 Noon at Canale-Gwinn Funeral Home and Cremation Services with Rev. Allen Mott officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. Interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery in Escanaba.
Facemasks and social distancing will be required.
Memories of Valerie may be shared at canalefuneral.com
Tributes
Nell - St ,V\'s coworker wrote on Nov 20, 2020:
"Dear , Sheila , Shawna , Dennis Jr. & Dave .
So Sorry to hear of the passing , of your mother/ grandmother . Valerie , was the nicest , sweetest , funniest , people , I have ever met . Vals , compassion, and kindness will live in our heart\'s , for eternity ! Our deepest , condolence , to you and your family , in this time of grieving . God bless u all ."
Nell - St ,V\'s coworker wrote on Nov 20, 2020:
"Dear , Sheila , Shawna , Dennis Jr. & Dave .
So sorry to hear , about the passing , of your , mother/grandmother . Valerie was the , funniest , kindest & most compassionate, person , I have ever met ! Valeries kindled spirit will carry in our hearts for eternity ! GOD BLESS"
George &cheryl bodenus wrote on Nov 18, 2020:
"To the family of valerie.sorry t o here of her passing, she was a sweet lady.love george&cheryl bodenus."
Paul & Rosie King wrote on Nov 16, 2020:
"To the family of Valerie, we send all of you are thoughts and prayers. We wanted to honor her for her hard working, honest, and truly christian life that she lived. She will always be remembered for the good person that she was to all.
Our Sympathy, Paul & Rosie King"