Kathleen "Kitty" Cecelia Kujala

Kathleen Cecelia “Kitty” Kujala, age 85, of Newberry, Michigan, took her last breath on Sunday, April 15, 2018. In the same home where she took her first breath, on November 14, 1932 born to Alsem and Goldie (Varnes) Archambeau. Kitty grew up in Silver Creek, Michigan, Lakefield, Michigan, and lived in Dollarville, Michigan and attended a one room school during her childhood. She then attended and graduated from Newberry High School with the class of 1951. On October 2, 1951 she married Thomas Leonard Kujala at the Parsonage by the Catholic Church in Newberry. She worked as a babysitter and at Bud’s Restaurant and Clyde’s Market, while they began their family raising 4 children. She then worked for 27 years managing the Concession Stand at the Upper Tahquamenon Falls where Kitty mentored her children, grandchildren and many willing teens about the meaning of a good day’s work for a good day’s pay and a burger. She instilled lifelong work ethics and even taught teens the lost art of counting back change. Kitty was not only a voice of reason, but the best role model her children and grandchildren could have asked for. She was a patient and faithful companion and traveling sidekick to Tom as they sprinted through many states or just out for an evening of dining. The walls of the Kujala home are adorned with family photos at every turn. She loved her family fiercely and would protect them with every fiber of her being. Her passing was so beautiful, it could be said she staged it to take care of her family and not be a burden. It was an honor and a privilege for family to be at her side when she passed. She did not like to be the center of attention, but she was the family matriarch and the center of their world. She will continue to be the wind beneath the wings of her family. In addition to being reunited with her family members who went before her, she is enjoying reuniting with her friend Dolly of over 60 years and enjoying Thelma and Louise type antics with her decades-long friend Naomi, each who passed in recent months. Kitty was one of the first volunteers for hospice care services in Newberry in the 1970’s and passed under the loving care of North Woods Home Care and Hospice. She was a Girl Scout Leader, a member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and the Newberry Goodfellows. She was an Archambeau woman through and through, each known for their beauty, iron will, and passion in their beliefs and pride in their Native American heritage. Kitty’s cooking was second to none, and her family can only hope to discover how she managed to bake the best dinner rolls. Her various colored Jell-O salads were staples at every holiday dinner. But most importantly, she was the family’s pasty queen, closely monitoring the methods she so skillfully tried to pass on to her offspring. In her youth she enjoyed bowling and snowmobiling. She also loved knitting, crocheting, sewing, and various other crafts. Kitty made a custom baby quilt for each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who called her G-Kitty. Over the decades, she loved to attend and cheer on her children, grandchildren, and even her great-grandchildren at their sporting events. She also, patiently played and enjoyed endless hours of cards with her grandchildren including; war, slap jack, and go fish. She absolutely LOVED everything about children and was so in tune to the uniqueness of each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Kitty is survived by her husband of 66 years, Thomas L. Kujala (Papa Kitty); children, Lynda (Dennis) Burgess of Newberry, Richard Kujala of Newberry, Marlene Clark of Rockford, Michigan, and Nancy (Ken) Haggart of Fremont, Michigan; grandchildren, Nicole (Charley) Simi, Jessica (Reid) Roeske, Ryan (Sarah) Burgess, Tara (Colin) Miller, Abi Haggart, and Anna Junod; great-grandchildren, Ava, Alivia, Claire, Easton, and Aubree; brothers, Raymond Archambeau of Engadine, Michigan, and Carl (Mary) Archambeau of Grand Ledge, Michigan; and sisters, Laura Drefs of Newberry, Barbara Edgar of Newberry, Veronica Ross of Newberry; and special friend, Karen Kujala. Kitty is preceded in death by sisters, Lucille (Joseph) Glenn, and Delphine Archambeau; sister-in-law, Julia Archambeau; and brothers-in-law, John Drefs, Richard Ross, and Coral Edgar. To honor her memory, her children and generations who follow will vow to avoid US-2 whenever possible but when they do have to travel it, they will be “awful careful.” They won’t forget the salt but will leave out the mustard (oh really). The family would like to thank the following North Woods Hospice staff: Angela, Vickie, Melanie, and Jessica for their devotion and passion in caring for their mother and wife. A private family celebration will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to North Woods Home Care and Hospice, 500 W Mcmillan Ave # B, Newberry, MI 49868. Kitty once said, “I look in the mirror and see how I’ve aged, but I still feel 18 in my mind.” Her youthful mindset partly explains her taste in music – her favorite artist being Rod Stewart, who she saw in concert when she was in her 70’s and danced up a storm, while singing, “May the good Lord be with you down every road you roam. And may sunshine and happiness surround you when you're far from home. And may you grow to be proud, dignified and true. And do unto others as you'd have done to you. Be courageous and be brave. And in my heart you'll always stay: Forever young”. R. Galer Funeral Home in Pickford, Michigan is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rgalerfuneralhome.com.

Tributes

Kathleen "Kitty" Cecelia Kujala

November 14, 1932 - April 15, 2018