Darlene Gamache

Darlene was born on April 24, 1951, in Laurium, to Maxwell and Dorothy (Ruonavaara) Hiltunen. She grew up in Florida Location, graduating from Calumet High School with the Class of 1969.

Darlene held various jobs throughout her lifetime, most recently retiring from Environmental Services at Aspirus Keweenaw Hospital in August 2024, due to health complications.

Darlene had a passion for music, gardening and was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She was a beacon of light to all who knew and loved her, and will be fondly remembered for her gentle kindness, infectious laugh and SISU determination.  

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents; two sons, Bobby Fontaine and Rock Gamache; stepdaughter, Wanda Gamache; sisters, Mavis Burns and Ruth Matson; brothers, Alan and James Hiltunen.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Roxanne (Jason) Palosaari, Jesse (Linda) Fontaine, and Donna (Jim) Koivu; grandchildren, Aimee (Patric), James, Jessica, Jonathan, Brett, Synthia, Alyson, and Mindy; former son-in-law, Derek (Rachel) Gherna; siblings, Richard (Elizabeth) Hiltunen, Sharon (Jim Heikkinen) Weijola, Henry (Jean) Hiltunen, Marvin (Connie) Hiltunen, Laura (Arthur) Heikkila, Lars (Beth) Hiltunen, and Dorothy Hiltunen; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Per Darlene’s request, private family services will be held.

The family kindly requests that those who wish to express their sympathy consider donating to the Omega House of Houghton in Darlene’s honor.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude and appreciation to the staff at UPHS – Portage, the Omega House, and Baraga County Home Care & Hospice for their outstanding and compassionate care.

The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com.