Nora Metz

Nora Marie Metz, 98, of Eastport, passed away February 21, 2015 at Munson Hospice House after a stroke. Nora was born on October 19, 1916 in Planter, Michigan to the late Joseph and Maude (Evans) Ayotte.

She spent her early life between the Upper Peninsula, where her father worked in lumber camps, and Eastport, where she would stay with her grandparents during the summer, the one constant home base for the family. During the Great Depression, many schools closed in the UP, so she lived with her grandparents and graduated from Central Lake High School in 1934.

In 1937 on a trip to Hot Springs, NM, with her widowed grandmother, she met and married Floyd Metz. After some time working jobs in the UP and Eastport, they hitched a ride down state, found work and made a life in Detroit. Nora had two miscarriages before the successful birth of her daughter in 1947. In 1959 they moved to Dubois, Wyoming where they purchased a bar/restaurant/hotel with another couple. The business was eventually sold, they were divorced, and she stayed in Wyoming until her mother needed her to return to Eastport to care for her in the late 80s. She ended up staying.

Nora has been a telephone operator, a housekeeper, a shopkeeper, a bartender, and a factory worker. She took her husband's place at Ford Motor Company when he joined the Merchant Marines during WWII.

She loved to keep house, but hated to cook. She was a good cook nevertheless. She enjoyed reading, watching the antics of the birds and deer in her yard, picking stones at the bay, and spending time with friends and relatives.

Nora was an only child and is survived by her only child, Susan Metz, who now lives in Eastport, in the house that grandpa built. She also leaves behind many friends and acquaintances who enjoyed the stories of her youth in the UP and Eastport. There is a special cat that gave her much joy and comfort that is missing her too.

A special thank-you goes out to everyone Nora came in contact with at Munson Hospital and Munson Hospice House for the compassionate care given to her.

In accordance with Nora's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 June 19, 2015, at the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial donations to the Wilkinson Homestead Historical Society, PO Box 102, Eastport MI 49627. WHHS is a nonprofit corporation and is exempt from taxation as a 501(c)(3) organization.

Arrangements are being handled by the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign our online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.