Geraldine "Gerry" Charlotte (Monette) Mazzali

Munising

Geraldine “Gerry” Charlotte Mazzali, age 82, of Munising, died under the care of her family in Owosso, Michigan on Thursday, July 6, 2017.  Gerry was born in Munising on March 19, 1935 to  Herman and Ellen (Maki) Monette and was a loving sister to Phyllis Baij and Arlene Froberg.  Gerry married William “Bill” Mazzali in December of 1953 and they were married over sixty-two years when he preceded her in death on July 2, 2016.

Gerry marked people in her life with a fun and bright approach to her life.  She was always one to try to find the best in people and make the most of what she had.  Gerry was a homemaker and wife to Bill and their six children.  She was also active with various charitable organizations such as the Order of the Eastern Star.  After her children entered school, Gerry worked as an aide for the Washington School for a number of years, and was active in local fundraisers, always willing to make pasties.             She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Munising and a Life Member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

In the late 1980’s, Gerry partnered with her two sisters, Phyllis and Arlene, as well as local Ron Miron to create “The Gift Station” which was a local gift shop converted from a long time local gas station and repair shop.  The group successfully ran and operated the business for more than a decade before selling it.  Gerry often spoke about the hard work and fun she had building and running the business.  Most of all, she enjoyed the company and companionship with her partners and people in the community that would stop in to shop.

Gerry is survived by her sister – Phyllis Baij; daughters – Deborah Mazzali of Owosso, MI and Lisa Swanberg of Albuquerque, NM; son –  Tony (Pam) Mazzali of Haslett, MI;  grandchildren – Lauren Curtis, John St. Martin, Miles Methot, Alex Jones, Jaycee Swanberg, Crystal Cawley, Geno Mazzali, Travis and Charlotte Mazzali, and Dominic, Vincent, Anthony II, and Vivian Sue Mazzali; great grandchildren; half-sister – Ann Donato of Ishpeming; half-brother- Jack Saari of Ishpeming; brothers-in-law – Dick Froberg and Charles Mazzali of Munising; sister-in-law -  Norma (William) Henninger of Munising; and numerous nieces and nephews.  Gerry was preceded in death by her parents; sons - Michael in 1985, William “Mac” in 2003, and Charles “Chuck” in 2012; grandson - Anthony Mazzali; granddaughter - Michael Corbet; sister Arlene Froberg; son-in-law – Michael Swanberg; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law -  Hans Baij, Billie Mazzali, Grace Mazzali, and Betty (Austin) Geary.

Gerry was always supportive of her family and was able to maintain a bright outlook even in dark times.  She was an example of how to make the most out of what you have.  Gerry was a generous and loving mother, grandmother, wife, sister, and person, and she will be missed by all.

Services will be held at the Bowerman Funeral Home in Munising on Saturday, August 12, 2017.  Visiting time with family and friends will be from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.  An Order of the Eastern Star service will begin at 3:00 p.m. and Gerry’s memorial service will immediately follow.  Interment will be at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising.