Elizabeth Ann HAWES

Elizabeth Ann Hawes (Olson), passed away on November 22, 2011, with her family by her side after a lengthy illness. Ann was born on February 20, 1947 in Michigamme, Michigan in the family home on Railroad Street. Ann's father, Donald Olson, was an engineer for the Soo Line Railroad. The family enjoyed waiting for Donald to pass by their home in his large locomotive and wave to him from the front porch. This turned into a favorite pastime of the next generation of children as well. Ann began her education in the Michigamme school system before transferring to Fisher Elementary in Marquette. She was among the first class that graduated from Marquette Senior High School in 1965. In school she enjoyed studying home economics and sewing. Ann went on to obtain a certificate from Northern Michigan University in data processing. After receiving her certification she worked at Pierce Furniture, which was located on Washington Street in Marquette as a secretary and bookkeeper. Ann later went to work for the Elder Agency, and always spoke very highly of her former employer throughout her life. On June 13, 1970 Ann married Charles Clarence Hawes of Marquette at St. John's Catholic Church in Marquette. Together they had two children, Kimberly Marie LaForais (Hawes) and Bradley Charles Andrew Hawes. Ann was very active in both of her children's lives. She found joy in baking for school events, volunteering for numerous activities in the schools, being an assistant Girl Scout leader, and much more. Ann mastered the art of sewing and enjoyed making clothes for her children, especially dresses for her daughter during the holiday season. She would plan wonderful camping trips for her family throughout the Upper Peninsula. Ann also enjoyed cooking, baking, playing cards, gardening, time spent at the family camp, traveling, and keeping a beautiful home for her family and friends to enjoy. Most of all Ann enjoyed spending time with her two grandchildren, Sabrina and Maxwell LaForais of Negaunee. In the 1990's Ann truly enjoyed taking care of her niece, Wendy Pelto and husband Steve's children, Courtney and Meredith Pelto. They shared many happy moments together in Marquette. Ann spent a great deal of time caring for the elderly. She began with the care giving for both of her parents, which she did with remarkable dedication and love. She continued to care for the elderly outside of her family, which included Mrs. Harriet Wilmer for 15 years. Whomever Ann was caring for, they always knew that they were receiving the best care and were loved. Most recently Ann and Charlie enjoyed many special little "get away" long weekends in Wisconsin and Michigan. Ann and Charlie cherished a 41year marriage, sharing their entire lives together, having grown up in the same neighborhood in Marquette. Their union always took first priority and had a very unique and special bond that they never took for granted. Fortunately, Charlie was able to care for Ann during the last 12 months in a loving way that only he could provide. Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Donald Andrew Olson and Alva Marie Olson (Drake) of Michigamme and most recently Marquette. Also, her sisters-in-law, Rosalie Connors (Hawes) of Iron Mountain, Marilyn Shaw (Hawes) of Marquette, and Janice LaFayette (Hawes) of Marquette. Ann leaves behind her husband, Charles Clarence Hawes of Marquette; daughter, Kimberly Marie LaForais (Hawes) and son-in-law, Steve LaForais of Negaunee; grandchildren, Sabrina and Maxwell LaForais of Negaunee; son, Bradley Charles Andrew Hawes of Marquette; a brother, Harold Olson of Norfolk, Virginia; brother and sister-in-law, Gerald and Linda Hawes of Boyne City, Michigan. Also many close cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends from around the country. Visitation will be on Saturday at St. Michael Catholic Church in Marquette from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. where a Funeral Mass will be held in the church at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Larry VanDamme officiating. Entombment will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum. A luncheon will be served in the Zyrd Parish Center immediately following the Mass. Pallbearers will be Bradley Hawes, Steve LaForais, Gerald Hawes, James Brindel, Ken LaFayette, Ronald Provost, Dave Ruff, and Steve Pelto. The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories may be shared at www.canalefuneral.com