Jean Helen Zarimba, 92, a
lifelong Ironwood resident, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2010, in Ironwood. The former Jean Helen Pumala
was born May 2, 1917, in Erwin Township, Ironwood, the daughter of the late
Matt and Amelia (Pahkamaki) Pumala. On May 2, 1936, she married
Steve Andrew Zarimba who passed away Aug. 31, 1997. Jean worked with her husband
at Zarimba's Family Grocery on Oak Street in Ironwood for many years until it
closed. She also worked with her sister Mary Smith at Randall's Bakery in
Ironwood for seven years during the early 1960's. Jean enjoyed her family,
friends and her home on 109 Taylor Street. She loved her pet animals,
especially her favorite dog Heidi. Surviving are two sons, Steve
Jr. and David (Cheryl); five grandchildren, Lance, Lorrie, Trent (Jessica)
and Kyle Zarimba, and Heather (Joel) Bach; three great-grandchildren, Matthew
Zarimba, and Aidan and Jacob Bach; one sister, Martha Cirilli; two brothers,
Carl and Jack Pumala; and one sister-in-law, Helen Pumala. Besides her parents and
husband, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Michele Lynn Zarimba, in
1963; a daughter-in-law, Carol Zarimba, in 2009; four sisters, Ann Yonkosky,
Hilma Dudra, Mary Smith and Pearl Pertile; and two brothers, Raymond and Matt
Pumala. A private family service will
be entrusted to the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral
Home.
Interment will be in
Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood. The family wishes to thank
the staff at Josephson's Nursing Home for their wonderful care, love and
friendship. Jean has finally found her
peace. She has returned to her beloved farm with all of her family and loved
ones.