Doris Bernice Hayrynen, 92, of Christmas, MI, passed away peacefully early Wednesday morning, August 31, 2022, at Eastwood Nursing Center in Negaunee, under wonderful care.
Doris was born June 28, 1930 to Milga and Arnold Hoffman in Chassell, Michigan. She was 10 years old and one of five children when her mother passed away. With the help of her stepfather, William Makinen, grandparents, aunts and uncles, neighbors, teachers, and the church, the five children were able to stay together until Doris went to Muskegon High School in Muskegon, MI. She spent her senior year working as a nanny on a dude ranch.
Doris received a scholarship and graduated from nursing school in Minneapolis, MN, receiving her license as an LPN. Soon after, she moved to Detroit and Flint to work for the automotive industry. She married Jacob Hayrynen, Sr. in April, 1954 in Detroit. They settled in Garden City where they raised their children, Wendy and Jacob, Jr.
Doris worked in the warehouse at Hudson’s and later retired from General Motors where she worked as an assembler at the Fisher Body Plant in Livonia.
Doris and Jacob, Sr. were charter members of Good Hope Lutheran Church in Garden City, members of the Finnish Center Association in Farmington Hills, and the Detroit Finnish Cooperative Summer Camp Association in Wixom. They met some of their dearest friends through volunteering for these organizations, as well as the Garden City School Bands and the Garden City Hockey Association. They also hosted many Finnish cultural exchange athletes and singers.
Doris retired from General Motors in 1987 and moved to Christmas, MI, where she lived until late 2021. Doris was a member of Eden Lutheran Church in Munising and the UAW Retired Workers Chapter in Hulbert. Doris and Jacob Sr. enjoyed volunteering and attending Finnish American cultural celebrations.
Doris’s family was her pride and joy. She never wanted to miss a family event. In her spare time, Doris had fun traveling, going to her cottage, picking any kind of berry, making casseroles for church funerals, sewing, going to garage sales, making the best apple sauce, reading, and watching Red Wings hockey and figure skating. She enjoyed music, going to concerts, and the theater. She loved to clean, organize, and keep house. She was a good listener and made you feel appreciated and important. Above all, Doris loved God and His Son, Jesus.
Doris always had a positive attitude. She was once asked why. She replied "I have no reason not to be. I am grateful for all of my blessings each day."
Surviving are her daughter, Wendy Andison of Canton, MI; son, Jacob (Donna) Hayrynen, Jr. of Negaunee Twp.; grandchildren: Audrey Andison of Canton, Lauren (Dr. David) Schaeffer of Pittsburgh, PA, Dr. Annaliise (David Williams) Hayrynen of Milwaukee, WI, Susan Bardo of Ypsilanti, MI, and Daniel (Dawn) Bardo of Copper City, MI; great grandchildren: Elyse Schaeffer, Zachary and Travis Bardo, and Curtis Miller; sister, Janet Taylor of Houston; brother, Dr. Marvin Makinen of Chicago; sister-in-law, Laverne Hayrynen of South Range; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Jacob Hayrynen, Sr. in 2009; son-in-law, Donald Andison; sisters, Ruth (Arnie) Moilanen and Sally (Carroll) Arnold; and sister-in-law Michele Makinen.
Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 9th at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Negaunee, with Rev. Bre Kinnunen officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends from 10:00 AM until the start of services at 11:00 AM, with a luncheon immediately following services in the church fellowship hall. Interment will be in Northland Chapel Gardens following the luncheon.
Mrs. Hayrynen’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com