Lori Jean (Babcock) Paajanen

Munising

Lori Jean Paajanen, age 57, of Munising, died unexpectedly at her home of natural causes on Sunday, February 16, 2020.  She was born on May 2, 1962 in Lincoln Park, Michigan to the late Richard and Joyce (Duford) Babcock.  Lori grew up in VanMeer, Michigan and graduated from Munising High School in 1981.  She married Dave Paajanen in July of 1982.  Lori worked at Superior Shores as a nurse’s aide, and then worked at Christmas Kewadin Casino.  Lori later worked as the activities director at Tendercare.  She loved this job, and found great joy in caring for the residents, putting smiles on their faces and giving them something to look forward to.  Lori was devastated when she had to retire due to her personal health limitations. She was an avid movie watcher, any genre except scary movies.  As soon as a new super hero movie was released she would pick it up right away and have a movie night with her grandsons.  Lori loved her grandsons more than anything.  Whether they were having a Harry Potter watching marathon or baking them their favorite cookies, she was happiest caring for the boys.  Lori’s family was so important to her, and not only her children, she spread her love to all of her children’s friends becoming that second mom to anyone who walked through her door.  Lori was the glue that held her close-knit family together.  She was the one making sure the family get-togethers happened and all the family pictures were taken.  She cherished her family photos and looked forward to receiving Christmas cards and school pictures to see how everyone was doing.

Lori is survived by her three children – Steven (Jessica) Paajanen, of Munising, Becky Paajanen of Ferndale, MI, and Brian Paajanen of Ishpeming; grandsons – Luca, Eli, Pierce, Victor, Warren, Grayson, and Gian; siblings – Tony (Lisa) Babcock, Lisa (Bob) Deneau, Gina Babcock, and Renee Dowd; numerous nieces and nephews; dear friend and in-laws Jean and Don Paajanen; and her “surrogate” children – Brandon Bills, and the late Justin Swajanen and late Amy Benson.  She was also preceded in death by her parents – Dick and Joyce Babcock; and brother-in-law – Patrick Dowd.

Visitation will be on Friday, February 21, 2020 at the Bowerman Funeral Home from 2:00 until 4:00 p.m. Time for sharing stories and remembrances will take place at 4:00 p.m.  Interment will be at Maple Grove Cemetery at a later date.