Lena M. Snowaert, age 88, of Schaffer (Bark River), passed away Sunday, November 19, 2017 at UP Health Systems in Marquette.
Lena was born June 25, 1929, in Gladstone, the daughter of Matt and Emmaline (Ketcham) Tuskan Sr. Lena was raised in Gladstone and Perkins. It was Perkins where she met and married Nick Alko Jr. and they started a family. Nick preceded her in death in 1972. Lena relocated to the Schaffer area, and later met Paul “Ted” Snowaert who she married in 1982. She continued to live there until her passing.
Lena worked her entire life, she worked at Eaton Corporation which she shared fond memories of. Her most notable employment was at St. Francis Hospital where she retired from her work as a housekeeper for numerous years.
Lena was a remarkably strong woman who did not like others to do things for her. She maintained flowerbeds and large gardens at her home that were always in tiptop shape, yielding plenty to share with her family and friends. During the harvest seasons you did not leave empty handed. Lena was also an all-around homemaker who was an accomplished seamstress, baker and cook. Lena could create many things from curtains to clothes and everything in between, and always had a baked good around for the occasional visitor.
Lena is survived by:
2 Brothers: Lloyd (Mary) Tuskan of Gladstone, MI
Gary Tuskan of Blaine, MN
1 Sister: Marjorie (Loren) Martell of Portland Oregon
6 Grandchildren
And 10 Great Grandchildren
Lena was preceded in death by her:
late husband, Paul “Ted” Snowaert.
1st Husband: Nick Alko Jr.
Daughter: Laurel Eagle
3 Brothers: Matt, Bill, Roger Tuskan
3 Sisters: Barbara Proven, Ellen “Ellie” Saari and Ann “Annie” Polvi-Salo
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Snowaert family.
Gary Tuskan - Blaine, MN
What can I say about my sister? She was a remarkably strong woman. She worked hard all of her life, helping to provide for whatever her family needed. She not only had an hourly job, she had two huge gardens, which meant she had a lot of canning to do. Her family always came first. She was the third out of ten children. Sis being the third out of ten children she had to take care of the younger ones at hand. Not only providing care for us she also found time to make clothes for us younger kids and for herself. She was an excellent seamstress. She was excellent in the kitchen. Sis could make just about anything you asked her to. One of my favorites that she would make were her date filled cookies at Christmas time. She also made me many birthday cakes when I was a little boy.
So dear sister, I say goodnight knowing you’re surrounded by family and loved ones. There are three of us left out of the ten. You will forever be in out thoughts and prayers. Again I say goodnight dear sister.
Your loving baby brother, Gary.
Barbara Tuskan - Gladstone, mi
Heaven received another angel today, you will be greatly missed auntie. I love you.
Peg & Lynn Latsch - Escanaba, MI
Lena was a wonderful person, we both worked with her at the hospital for many years. We enjoyed her very much! RIP Lena, heaven has gained another angel!