Maymie Viola (Dalbacka) Rauvola, of Babbitt, MN passed away peacefully in Duluth, MN Friday, May 13th, 2022 at the age of 92 from complications of a stroke. Maymie was born on April 26th, 1930 in Floodwood, MN to Oscar and Armeta (Soronen) Dalbacka. She graduated from Floodwood High School in 1948 and married Harold Merle Rauvola in Omaha, NE on December 26th, 1953. They moved from Floodwood to Babbitt, MN in 1960.
A feisty homemaker, mother of 7, grandmother, and great-grandmother who, until nearly her very last days, berry picked, walked through the woods, crocheted, quilted, took care of neighbors’ houses and shoveled snow off their decks, gardened, and was known for her baked goods (especially cinnamon rolls) which she gave out to neighbors mail carriers, delivery people, and local road crews. She was instrumental in starting and maintaining a memorial garden, affectionately known as “Boot Hill” for those who lived on the road and since passed.
Maymie was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and siblings, Vienno Wrozek, Orvo (Laina) Dalbacka, Veikko “Jumbo” (Ramona) Dalbacka, Willard (Frances) Dalbacka, Allie (Lloyd) Riehle, and an infant sister.
Maymie is survived by her children, Gary (Becky) Rauvola of St. Louis, Diane Rauvola of Tucson, AZ, Roger (Janet) Rauvola of San Diego, CA, Craig (Lynnette) Rauvola Bouta of Aberdeen , NC, Scott (Kirsten) Rauvola of SanDiego, CA, Stuart (Lisa) Rauvola of Stillwater, MN, and Brian (Suzanne) Rauvola of Duluth, MN; grandchildren, Cory, Kurt, Melissa, Rachel “Shelly”, Darren, and Gwen; 4 great-grandchildren, Paige, Regan, Lilliana, and Chloe; brother, Glen Dalbacka; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the staff at Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital and North Shore Estates in Duluth for their care in making Maymie comfortable during her final days. We would also like to send a word of thanks to the residents of Spring Ridge Road, especially Louise Yoder, for looking out for the stubborn Finn for all these years.
Per the family request, there will not be a formal service, and memorial contributions can be made to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
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