Mary Carol (Makinen) Pulkas

Mary was born December 12, 1946, in Houghton, Michigan, to the late John and Nelma Makinen. Raised in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Mary remained deeply proud of her Finnish heritage throughout her life. She embodied the Finnish spirit of sisu—strength, determination and perseverance.

Mary devoted more than 40 years to nursing, a career that reflected her natural desire to care for and help others. Her clinical nursing experience included obstetrics, neurosurgical and medical-surgical nursing, and she also served as a nursing instructor and in nursing leadership roles. Later in her career, Mary worked in disease management, providing health education and coaching to people living with chronic conditions.

Mary and Clifford “Cliff” Pulkas shared a love story that began when they were young. They met at a basketball tournament—he was a basketball player, and she was a cheerleader for their rival teams. Cliff later took her to the prom, but life led them in different directions. Twenty-seven years after their first date, they reunited. They married in 1987 and shared 29 wonderful years together until Cliff’s death in 2016.

Mary loved to travel, but no destination held more meaning for her than Finland. She treasured traveling there with Cliff, visiting family homesteads, speaking the language of their heritage and experiencing the traditions that were such an important part of their lives.

Mary’s greatest joy was her family. Her daughter, Heidi, and son-in-law, Andrew, were at the heart of her life, and becoming “GiGi” to Sam and Lauren opened a wonderful new chapter for her. When Mary and Cliff retired to Florida, they thought they had found the place where they would spend their retirement years. The news that their first grandchild was coming changed those plans. They moved to North Carolina to be close to family and continued to follow them through life’s moves so they could remain an active part of their grandchildren’s lives. Mary adored Sam and Lauren and treasured the years she was able to spend close to them, sharing in their childhood and creating memories they will carry with them always.

Mary was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Cliff; her parents, John and Nelma Makinen; and her six siblings.

She is survived by her daughter, Heidi Johnson and husband Andrew; grandson, Sam Johnson; granddaughter, Lauren Johnson; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Mary was thoughtful and vibrant, strong and determined, with a wonderful laugh and a brilliant smile. She will be remembered for the joy she brought to life, her love of family and heritage, and the enormous pride she took in being “GiGi.” Those who loved her will carry those memories, and a little of Mary’s spirit, with them always.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s memory to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (curealz.org), supporting research toward the prevention, treatment and cure of Alzheimer’s disease.