Fay Marie Kivela, 77, of Escanaba passed away on Friday September 23, 2022 at The Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. She was born on September 10, 1945 to Sulo and Tyyne Kivela. Fay’s grandparents were Frank and Olga Ryti. Her pride and joy was growing up with her siblings in her Finnish parents’ logging camp in the Negaunee, MI area. She graduated from Escanaba High School in 1963. Fay studied with Merle Norman cosmetics in Los Angeles, CA and subsequently managed the Merle Norman studio in Escanaba. She later studied education and received her associate’s degree from Bay College. Fay worked as a waitress at The Terrace Bluff and The Buck Inn, where she was known for her personable and warm disposition.
Fay was a dedicated and loving daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She loved fashion, interior design, painting, and crafts. Fay had a special knack for making things beautiful. She loved walking amongst nature, hosting her family and friends in her home, and celebrating her Finnish heritage through music, food, and art. She made everyone feel special.
Fay’s former husband, John Gollyhorn, preceded her in death. Fay is survived by her four children, Lisa Valentine (and her husband, Bob Valentine) of Escanaba MI, Lana Gollyhorn of Denver CO, Tyler Gollyhorn of Escanaba MI, and Erik Gollyhorn of Escanaba MI; three grandchildren, Jack, Alex, and Ian Valentine; her siblings and their spouses, Kerry and Rick Dewey and Ralph and Deb Kivela of Gladstone, MI; and her lifelong friend Gloria Griffin (and her husband, Phil Griffin) of Tucson, Arizona.
Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of Fay’s life on Thursday September 29, 2022 at Central United Methodist Church, 322 South Lincoln Road in Escanaba from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. A funeral to celebrate Fay's life will be at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday at church. A luncheon will follow services in the church fellowship hall. Fay will be laid to rest in the Negaunee Cemetery.
The Allo Coolman Funeral Home is assisting the Kivela family.
Please visit www.allofh.com to send online condolences to her family.
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"Was absolutely heartbroken to see this news. My sincere sympathies on your loss Fay was a wonderfully kind . loving, caring woman. I had the pleasure of working with her for many years at The Buck Inn and I am proud to have called her my friend. Fly high sweet lady!"
-Debbie Osier -
"So sad to hear of Fay’s passing. I grew up with Fay in Negaunee, we were chums in grade school. Fay was a lovely woman, always so friendly and kind. She will be greatly missed."
-Jackie Johnson -
"Fay was one of the most kind, loving and compassionate people I know. She was a wonderful friend who was always there for me any time day or night when I needed that shoulder to lean on. No matter what challenge she faced, she met it head on and always kept her sense of humor and warm smile! I know you will be dancing with the angels in heaven. Rest in peace my special friend. Prayers and love to Lana, Lisa, Eric, and Tyler and your family that God may give you strength as you mourn the loss of this beautiful woman. â¤"
-Patti Holland -
"We were so sorry to read of Fay's passing. She was the sweetest person - and always had that beautiful smile. Please know that all the family has our heartfelt sympathy. She now can dance with the angels and be with those who went before. Praise the Lord! Sincerely, Lori and Bob Bolml"
-Lori Bolm -
"So very saddened to hear of Fay’s passing. She was a wonderful lady and a great mother. We had the pleasure of having her family as a neighbor for a few years. I will consider it a gift to have spoken to her recently. Please accept our condolences for your loss. May good memories help to sustain you during difficult times."
-Ivan and Shirley Gagne -
"So very saddened to hear of Fay’s passing. She was a wonderful lady and a great mother. We had the pleasure of having her family as a neighbor for a few years. I will consider it a gift to have spoken to her recently. Please accept our condolences for your loss. May good memories help to sustain you during difficult times."
-Ivan and Shirley Gagne -
"So sorry for your loss, I worked with Fay at The Buck Inn, she was the sweetest lady ever. Her smile and laugh would light the room, she was always there for us when we needed someone. I am happy i ran into her one last time and got that big ol Fay hug!! She will be missed."
-Tara Druding -
"Our hearts and prayers are with your family during this trying time with loving sympathies. All of your mothers memories will remain in your hear-trust me it will feel like she never left you. Know that you are surrounded by lots of love. Sending all our Love & God’s Blessings, Linda, Steve, Nathan & Connor Howes-hugs to you all!"
-Linda howes -
"Our hearts and prayers are with your family during this trying time with loving sympathies. All of your mothers memories will remain in your hear-trust me it will feel like she never left you. Know that you are surrounded by lots of love. Sending all our Love & God’s Blessings, Linda, Steve, Nathan & Connor Howes-hugs to you all!"
-Linda howes -
"So sorry to hear Fay passed. She had such a beautiful soul and I’m so happy to have known her. Bless you Fay on your heavenly journey 💕"
-Mary Petersen-Magnuson -
"So very sad to hear of the passing of Fay, a very special cousin. Heartfelt sympathy to the family."
-Melanie Kananen Woodworth -
"Lisa and Lana, I’m so sorry for the loss of your sweet mom. She was so welcoming and good to me growing up. Much love to you and yours. "
-Stephanie Anderson -
"Dear Lisa and Lana. I am so sorry about your mom she was so kind and loving and her beautiful smile was something I remember about her. Lisa I am so glad I saw you the other day and could give you a hug. You are in my prayers. God bless you. Janet. "
-Janet Lindstrom -
"Dear Lisa and Lana. I am so sorry about your mom she was so kind and loving and her beautiful smile was something I remember about her. Lisa I am so glad I saw you the other day and could give you a hug. You are in my prayers. God bless you. Janet. "
-Janet Lindstrom -
"Our sincere condolences to Fay's entire family! Rest in Peace Fay!ðŸ™ðŸ™"
-Gary and Becky Lehman
