Judy Mariani

Judith “Judy” J. Mariani, age 93, of Iron River, MI, passed away on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at the U.P. Health System in Marquette, Michigan. She was born May 17, 1924 in Iron Mountain, MI, the daughter of the late Carlo and Clara (Carlevato) Porta. She attended the Iron Mountain and Channing Schools. On December 30, 1942, Judy married Bernard “Bernie” Mariani at the St. Agnes Catholic Church in Iron River. After their marriage, she and Bernard managed the Boyington Hotel in Iron River, until its closure in 1966. The couple celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary in 1997, before Bernie preceded her in death in July of 1998. She was later employed at Jean’s Dress Shop for many years, before becoming the secretary for the Commercial Insurance Agency for 20 years, retiring in 1986. She was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, St. Agnes Altar Society, the Rosary Sodality and the Italian Ladies Society. Judy also served on the Iron River Housing Commission Board. She enjoyed senior dances, reading, cooking and especially spending time with her family. She is survived by her son, Ronald (Sheree) Mariani of Ishpeming, MI; brother, Charles Porta of Peoria, AZ; two grandchildren, Maria Mariani of Ishpeming, MI and Christina (Fiancé Harrison Fuchs) Mariani of Iowa City, IA; sister-in-law, Elaine (Robert) Prittinen; nieces, nephews, extended family and special friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by six brothers: Francis, Louis, Joseph, John, Peter and Robert Porta, as well as six sisters: Theresa Aimone, Charlotte Equist, Emily Welker, Jenny Perron, Olympia Balzarini and Lorraine Matchett. Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2018 from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Agnes Catholic Church of Iron River, with Rev. Gregory Veneklase to offer the Mass of Christian Burial. The Ladies of the Rosary Sodality and the Italian Ladies Society will form an honor guard at the service. Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery of Iron River, in the spring. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Judy Mariani, please visit our flower store.