Helen Nakarado

Helen Nakarado, 89 of St. Ignace died Friday morning, August 12 at Hiland Cottage Hospice House in Petoskey. She was born in Harbor Springs on January 24, 1927 to John Peter and Edna (Hammond) Campbell. She was a graduate of Pellston High School and attended nursing school after graduation from High School. She began her career as Michigan Bell telephone switchboard operator in Petoskey Michigan, and it was there that she met her husband Richard (Nick) Nakarado. Helen later worked as a Michigan Bell operator on the St. Ignace switchboard, one of the last 3 manual switchboards in the country at the time of its closing in 1974. Helen subsequently began work as a teller for First National Bank in St. Ignace, after ten years rising to branch manager in Naubinway. She was then recruited to serve as the manager of the Detroit and Northern Branch Bank in Ishpeming, where she worked for a decade. During her time there, she served as President of the Ishpeming Chamber of Commerce. Helen retired to Colorado for seven years, living with her son Gary's family in Golden and then with her sister in Pueblo, CO, where she worked at the Art Museum. She then spent several years with her son Dave's family and grandchildren in Indiana, where she volunteered at Conner Prairie Interactive History Park. Almost 15 years ago, she returned up north, residing on West US 2. She was deeply grateful for the many old and new friends who reached out to her upon her return "home," especially after macular degeneration left her with diminished eyesight and unable to drive. Nevertheless, her wonderful network of friends allowed her to remain a loved and loving part of the community until her death. She served during the 60's and 70's as a member of the Rudyard School Board, including as Chairman for several years, and was a loyal member of Keep In Touch (KIT), a unique group of St. Ignace retired manual switchboard operators. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in St. Ignace and was fiercely proud of being a member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, her tribal name was Koo-koo-koo-kway, or "Owl Woman" and she was a member of the bear clan. She is survived by 2 sons, Gary (Christine) Nakarado, of Golden, Colorado and David (Margaret) Nakarado of Bloomington, Indiana; a brother, Richard (Nancy) Campbell, of Mackinaw City; a sister, Sister Diana Durling, of Cincinnati, Ohio; 4 grandchildren, Dane Nakarado, Nik Nakarado, Christian Nakarado, Kirtley Ceballos, and 2 great grandchildren, Roman Ceballos and Aydin Nakarado. Helen was preceded in death by her husband, Nick, her parents, two sisters, and a brother. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 20 at 1:00pm at Zion Lutheran Church with Rev. David Tielbar officiating and Dr. Orville Kabat delivering the homily. Cremation has taken place and her ashes will be buried in Lakeview Cemetery, Trout Lake, in the family plot.

Tributes

Helen Nakarado

August 12, 2016