Annetta Mcauliffe

McAuliffe, Annetta

of Jackson passed away peacefully at home of heart failure on Wednesday April 24, 2013. She was 84 years old. Born on December 13, 1928, in Jackson, Michigan, her parents were Lynn Dynes and Lempi Nurmi. Her mother, Lempi, was of Finnish Ancestry where the name Nurmi means "Lane". Her three uncles, Victor, Sulho, and Arvo emigrated from Finland to the USA during WWI and settled in Jackson, Michigan. Annetta grew up in a neighborhood surrounded by grand homes in Essex Heights constructed by her uncles who were famous architects and interior decorators. Lempi was an accomplished French dressmaker and seamstress. Lempi raised Annetta along with her uncles after her divorce from Lynn Dynes. Victor Nurmi developed her namesake – four islands called Nurmi Isles in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Annetta grew up to be a beautiful, energetic, smart and popular girl. She graduated from Jackson High School and Jackson Community College. She was Captain of the cheerleading squad all through High school and had many suitors. However, her eye was caught by a handsome football player named John McAuliffe, an Irishman. Family legend has it that he pulled her pigtails in class to get her attention and soon after began dating. Their courtship continued and eventually John and Annetta were married on October 14, 1950. John developed a successful career at Art Moehn Chevrolet. Annettta blessed him with four boys named Danny, Timmy, Terry, and Tommy. She encouraged her boys to participate in the Scouting movement and was rewarded with two Eagle Scouts. The family was often seen departing on frequent camping trips using a pop-up tent camper. Graduating to a RV longer trips were made, especially to Arizona. It was here that Annetta developed a passion for Indian Turquoise jewelry and became an entrepreneur opening her own business called Eagle Indian Jewelry. Her passion was jewelry and collectibles and she and John traveled the globe in search of fine items. She was an avid golfer and belonged to Arbor Hills Country club. She loved visiting Florida in the fall and was very active in Queen of the Miraculous Medal parish. She was known to be a loving mother and wife, successful entrepreneur, a devoted Catholic, and a dedicated citizen.

She is survived by her husband John and her four sons – Daniel (wife Charie) in Langhorne, Pennsylvania; Timothy and Thomas in Phoenix, Arizina; and Terence in Jackson, Michigan. In addition she has two grandsons named Jackson and Alexander in Phoenix, Ax and granddaughter Casey in Texas.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 1st at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church at 10:30 AM. Father Mathias Thelen will officiate at the funeral Mass.

Relatives, family, and friends are invited to gather for the viewing at the Church on Wednesday from 10 to 10:30 AM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers contributions to Queen's Church would be appreciated.

As the Finns say "Nakamine" or until we meet again Annetta Nurmi McAuliffe - in Heaven.

Desnoyer Funeral Home--
Family owned for 123 years