Obituaries

Margaret Alma (Ojala) Mathews, age 90, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died on November 28, 2025, at Freighter View Assisted Living. She was born on October 8, 1935, in Brimley, Michigan, to Reuben and Alma (Nivala) Ojala.

Margaret graduated as valedictorian of the Brimley High School class of 1953. After graduation, she spent a summer working for the Mackinac Straits ferries before beginning a long and dedicated career with the State of Michigan. She served as a secretary for the State ferry office in St. Ignace and later for the local DNR office, retiring after thirty-six years of faithful service in 1989. On May 6, 1961, she married the love of her life, Charles Mathews. Together they shared fifty-four years of marriage until his passing in 2015.

Margaret’s faith played a central role throughout her life. She played the organ and directed the choir at the Wesleyan Church for many years, served on the church board for twenty-five years, and was a longtime member of the Wesleyan Women International. In later years, she continued to share her musical gifts by playing the organ and singing in the choir at the Brimley Congregational Church.

Margaret enjoyed a full and active life. She was an avid reader and loved gardening, berry picking, canning, and spending time snowmobiling and camping with Charles.

Margaret is survived by her sister, Mildred Upchurch of Leesburg, Florida; sister-in-law, Mary Ojala of Grayling, Michigan; brother-in-law, Jim McKiddie of Brimley; a very special nephew, Rick (Cindy) Ojala of Brimley; and many nieces and nephews.

Margaret was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-four years, Charles; parents, Reuben and Alma; brothers, Reuben Ojala, Cecil Ojala, Clarence Ojala, and Stanley Ojala; and sisters, Gloria (Clarence) Cottle, Eleanor Ojala, and Gladys McKiddie.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Family Life Funeral Homes, 4951 S. M-129, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783. The funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM with a luncheon to follow.

Memorial contributions in Margaret’s honor may be made to the Brimley Congregational Church, P.O. Box 455, Brimley, MI 49715.

Margaret's final resting place will be at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens.

“Goodbye! See you soon!!” – Margaret.

Condolences may be given to the family at www.familylifefh.com.