Lillian "Lilly" Elizabeth (Moilanen) Makela, 81, of De Pere, passed away Friday, July 21, 2023.  She was born on April 24, 1942, in Trimountain, Michigan to the late Tovio and Lillian (Myllyaho "Aho") Moilanen.

Lilly was raised in Hancock and graduated in 1960 from Hancock Central High School.  In November 1960, Lilly married George Makela.  They spent some time in Seattle while George served in the U.S. Coast Guard before returning to Hancock, MI. In 1978 they moved to Wisconsin.  In 1989, Lilly graduated from NWTC as a Registered Nurse.  She retired from St. Vincent's Hospital 9th floor as an Oncology Certified Nurse in 2007.  In 2010, Lilly worked at Goodwill.

Lilly always said that "one lifetime is not enough to see all I want to see."  She loved traveling and even spent a month in Finland meeting her family.  She enjoyed time on a beach, reading, photography, and spending time with family and friends. Lilly was a loving and giving person with a kind heart. She put others before herself and helped many people over the years.

Lilly is survived by her daughter, Sabrina (Mike) Zeigeweid; two grandsons, Christopher Makela and Joshua Makela; Great-grandchildren Marlee, Kyrie, Michael; brothers, Jack Haataja and Roger (Gayla) Haataja; brother-in-law, Tom Lowe; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Lillian Koykka; her father, Tovio Moilanen; stepfather, Walter Koykka; son, Michael Makela; brother, Stephen "Sonny" Haataja; two sisters, Geraldine Lowe and Lori (Mike) Wisti.

Friends and family will gather at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 11; Service to follow at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be in Mountain View Cemetery, Atlantic Mine, MI. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

Lilly's family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff of St. Mary's Hospital.