Lorraine Saigh

Lorraine Saigh, age 98, of Iron River, MI, passed away on Friday, April 12, 2019 at Aspirus Iron River Hospital. She was born on June 5, 1920 in Norway, MI, the daughter of the late Andrew and Theresa (Rosatti) Ropelle.  She attended and graduated from the Norway Schools.  She then attended Northern Michigan University and earned her teaching degree.  Lorraine taught at the Lincoln School, Stambaugh Elementary, Central Elementary, and the West Iron County Middle School.  She also served as Principal at the Central School and West Iron County Middle School, retiring after over 30 years of service. Lorraine married Frederick “Fred” M. Saigh on December 21, 1943 in New York, NY, and the couple made their home in Iron River.  They celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary in 2006, before Fred preceded her in death on January 23, 2007. Lorraine was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, St. Agnes Altar Society, a lifetime member and past Treasurer of the Italian Ladies Society, and member the Michigan Retired Teachers Association.  She was an avid bridge club player, enjoyed reading, spending summers at the family cottage on Fortune Lake, and being with her family.   Lorraine is survived by her sons, Dr. Frederick M. (Kelly) Saigh III of Iron River, Dr. F. Michael Saigh (Debra Phelps) of Norway, MI, Peter (Patty) Saigh of Iron River, Mark Saigh of Iron River, and Terry Saigh of Sarasota, FL; daughter, Barbara Saigh of Birmingham, MI; ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by her brothers, David and Kenneth Ropelle and sisters, Eleanor VanArk, and Bea Willihnganz. Visitation will be held on Monday, April 22, 2019 from 9:00 to 10:45 am at the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River.  Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Iron River with Rev. Gregory Veneklase to offer the Mass of Christian Burial.  The Italian Ladies Society will form an Honor Guard at the service. Interment will be in Resthaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to the West Iron District Library or the Iron County Cancer Unit. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lorraine Saigh, please visit our flower store.