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(Sunday - November 01, 2020) -
Alyson Branam Bilski Self, age 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by
her family on Friday, October 30.
Alyson was born October 2, 1928
to Luella Ross and Judson Tolman Branam. She married Walter Bilski
August 13, 1949. It is impossible to reflect 92 years of love into one
paragraph, but below are some of Alyson’s proudest accomplishments:
She was Commander of DAV Women’s Auxillary - Chapter 23 and proudly
marched with American flag every year in the Memorial Day Parade. Ally
was both a chef and baker at the Chippewa Club for 30 years. She was
voted best pasties in the UP and had the privilege of serving one to the
late president Bush Sr. He loved her pastie so much that he wanted
several more to take aboard the Air Force One. She was named Dickinson
County Fair Homemaker of the Year in 1991and shared her cooking and
baking goodies with church, friends, family and community. Nobody ever
went without. Ally helped with shut-ins for over 25 years and
volunteered in numerous ways. Ally impacted so many lives with her
kindness - moving mountains for many. She was an active member of the
First Covenant Church of Iron Mountain. For hobbies, Alyson was an avid
gardener and bird watcher. She loved watching Green Bay Packers
(Go-Pack-Go) and playing casino games on her tablet.
Alyson is
survived by 5 children, Donna Albright (James Lydick), Therese Auck,
Vincent Bilski, Mary Plascak (Kevin) and Sally Johnston; 9
grandchildren, Benjamin Auck & Jonathon Bilski (Therese), Nichole
Alyson, Andrew, Jacob, Joshua & Victoria (Mark Bilski), Alyson & Kevin
Plascak (Mary Plascak) and Jarid LaFave (Sally Johnston); 1 brother,
Judson Branam & 1 sister, Mary Hahn (Ron) and 10 great grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Walter Bilski and later in
life, Harry Self; son, Mark, infant daughter, Victoria,1 sister, Ann
Locke & 7 brothers, Sherman, Robert, Ford, David, Vincent, Sheldon, &
Franklin.
An enormous shout to Laverne Tramontine, Ally's
neighbor, best friend and "little sister." A special relationship that
no words can ever describe.
A huge celebration of Alyson's life
is planned for Spring 2021.
Family found this hand-written note
by Alyson to share:
"We cannot know the grief that we may
borrow. We cannot see the souls swept by sorrow, but we can shine on
today and tomorrow. Let us be kind. So many lives are broken, so may our
love with tender words be spoken. Let us be kind to one another. Love
Mom/Grandma"
Condolences to the family of Alyson Self may be
expressed online at:
www.ernashfuneralhomes.com
The family has entrusted the
Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the
arrangements.
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