Myrtle Tolonen, 1935-2015. Courtesy photo
Myrtle Tolonen, the first woman to lead the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community in Michigan, passed away on Friday, November 13. She was 80. Tolonen served her first term as chair in 1984-1985 and returned for another term from 1988-1989. She held positions on many boards including the Cultural Committee, Indian Child Welfare and Education. She also was a student at Nishnaabemwin Pane, the tribe's language immersion program. In addition to serving her tribe with distinction, Tolonen was a two-time breast cancer survivor and a breast cancer advocate. Born April 28, 1935, in Zeba, Michigan, Tolonen was the daughter of George and Charlotte (Blaker) Matthews. She graduated from high school in 1953. Her first job was for Mini Sands Restaurant in L’Anse, then she lived in Chicago and worked as a secretary. She married Donald E. Tolonen Sr. on March 26, 1955 in L’Anse, Michigan. After marrying they resided in Dearborn, Michigan. The couple moved back to L’Anse, near tribal lands, in 1972 and in 1974 she started working in the enrollment department for the Tribe. Surviving Tolonen are her sons, Glenn Tolonen of Zeba and Tyler Tolonen of L’Anse; daughter Cheryl (Donald) Denomie of Baraga; brother Albert W. (Elsie) Matthews of Athelstane, WI; sister Elizabeth C. Matthews of Zeba; grandchildren, Charlotte, Trista, Beth, Joe, Christian, Brigitte, Cheryne, Shawnee, Ashley, Keith, Kevin, Cally, Carmen, Jeffery, Samantha, Raymond, Glenn Jr., Macee; great grandchildren, Tristan, Caden, Makenna, Joey, Johnathan, Donovan, Daniel, Cara, Darryn, Easton, Brody, and Izzy; special friend Mary LaRose; her caregiver and special friend Natalie Mleko of Baraga; and numerous nieces and nephews.. Preceding her in death are her parents; husband Donald Sr.; sons Donald Jr and John Tolonen; siblings, Amos Whetung, Sarah Shelifoe, Donald Whetung, Theodore Whetung, Matthew Whetung, Glen Matthews, Dorothy Belmore, and Baby sister Whetung. Tolonen's wake was held on Monday at the KBIC Zeba Hall. The traditional funeral service took place on Tuesday at the hall. Tolonen was buried in the Pinery Cemetery.
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