Evelyn D. Hanninen passed away January 23, 2007 from medical complications. Formerly of Dearborn, she had resided in Livermore, California for one year. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Liisa Hanninen-Danner and Don Danner, and granddaughters Alexa and Kate Danner, of Livermore, CA; her brother John Keskinen of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; and niece Brenda Sinclair and her family of Livonia. She is also survived by several other nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Anna Keskinen; brother Francis Keskinen; and sister Ruth Brookman.

Born August 10, 1929 in the small Upper Peninsula town of Mass City, Evelyn grew up on a farm. Following graduation from high school, she moved to Detroit, where she pursued a career in the business world. She was a co-owner and Secretary-Treasurer of Silicone Rubber Products and later, Jedtco Corporation, both silicone rubber fabricating companies specializing in government contracts and parts for the aerospace industry. During her 19 years of retirement, Evelyn worked part-time at Genesis Marketing, and volunteered at the City of Dearborn, and at the Information Desk at Henry Ford Fairlane Medical Center in Dearborn. She was also an active member of the Finnish Center Association of Farmington Hills, and served as their Treasurer for several years.

Evelyn's interests included non-fiction reading, current events, and the Finnish culture and traditions. Her greatest joys in life were her granddaughters and her niece Brenda's children, phone conversations with her brother John and her dear friends, shopping, and fresh tomatoes from the vine. Proud of her heritage, Evelyn possessed Sisu, the Finnish trait of independence and perseverance.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 2, 2007 at 4 p.m. at Thayer-Rock Funeral Home, 33603 Grand River Avenue, downtown Farmington (1 blk. W. of Farmington Rd.). Officiant Rev. Timothy R. Nilsen, Pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Farmington Hills.

Memorial donations may be made to The Finnish Center Association, Scholarship Fund, 35200 W. Eight Mile Rd. Farmington Hills, MI 48335.

Arrangements by Potti Funeral Directors.