Mona R Maki-Thoren

Mona Rae Maki, 60, of Ely, died Thursday, Jan. 27, 2022, following a long battle with cancer. She passed away peacefully surrounded by family at Boundary Waters Care Center.

Mona was born on March 8, 1961, in Ely to Ralph ‘Clyde’ and Margaret (Pechek) Maki. Mona shared her life with longtime spouse James ‘Mort’ Tome and raised 2 daughters together, Nora and Tara. 

Mona found her passion caring for others through working at Carefree Living on Lakeside and in Babbitt. She always enjoyed being around and getting to know the residents and anybody she came in contact with. 

Mona enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She adored spending time with her daughters, nieces, and great-nieces. She loved to play croquet, cribbage, smear, and excelled at bowling, being able to go to many tournaments. Mona loved spending the summers outside, playing croquet, and soaking in the sun. Her favorite holiday was the 4th of July being able to watch the parade, fireworks, and most importantly, playing in the annual croquet tournament of tournaments with friends and family. Mona made an impression on everyone she crossed paths with her kind heart, infectious laugh, and warm hugs. She will be sadly missed by many. 

Mona is survived by her children: Nora Thoren of Grand Rapids, and Tara Tome of Ely; her longtime spouse James ‘Mort’ Tome of Ely; sister Tonya Maki of Ely; brother Brian (Sue) Maki of Ely, nieces Anna (Colin) Yahnke of Ely, Christine (Geoff) Maki of St. Paul; brother Kevin (Roxanne) Maki of Saginaw, niece Kalyn (Matt) Zimmer of Duluth, nephew Caleb Maki of Esko; brother Leroy ‘PeeWee’ (Shirley Kidd) Maki of Ely; Sister-in-laws Mary (Pete Swanson) Grahek of Ely, Barbara (Bill) Godlin of Ely, Valerie Felmus of Ely; numerous cousins, great-nieces, and many friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Margaret (Pecheck) Maki and In-laws Frank and Kathy (Kurie) Tome.

The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Boundary Waters Care Center, especially the nurses and CNAs. They treated Mona like family, and she loved interacting with each and every one of the staff. 

There will be a celebration of life in the summer of 2022 - details to follow as it gets closer. 

Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely. 

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