Lillian M. Busakowski

Lillian “Lil” M. Busakowski, age 93, of Gaastra, MI, passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at Aspirus Iron River Hospital. She was born on May 9, 1927 in Caspian, MI, the daughter of the late Daniel and Concettina (Dalessandri) Mongiat. She attended the Caspian and Stambaugh schools, graduating from Stambaugh High School with the Class of 1945. Lil married Pat Schinella on November 15th, 1948 at St Mary’s church in Gaastra MI. He preceded her in death on October 17, 1963. She married Andrew Busakowski on June 19, 1965 at St. Mary’s Church in Gaastra, MI. The couple celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this year. She and her husband are the owners of Central Arts and Gifts in Iron River. She was a member of St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Caspian, MI. Lil enjoyed oil painting, ceramics, bowling, cooking Italian meals for family & friends and she also enjoyed her home on the lake. She taught classes at the store for painting and helped start some community college art classes. Lil was on the Board of Directors for the First of America Bank and was a promoter of the Iron County area, especially the Iron County Museum in Caspian, MI. Lil is survived by her husband, Andrew Busakowski of Gaastra, MI; sons, Steve Schinella of Marquette, MI and Donald (Joyce) Schinella of Negaunee, MI; grandchildren, Meagan Schinella, Kyle (Sydney) and Jon Schinella; step grandchildren, Eric Oja and Sharon (Brent) Roberts; step great grandson, Hudson Roberts; sister, Nelda Argentati of Iron River, MI; sister-in-law, Cathryn Mongiat of Davenport, IA; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She was also preceded in death by her newborn son, John Schinella and brother, Raino Mongiat. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, June 28, 2021 at 11am at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Caspian, MI with Rev. Gregory Veneklase to officiate. Interment will be in Stambaugh Cemetery, Iron River. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lillian M. Busakowski, please visit our flower store.