Bobbie Ann Hilitunen, Southfield

After a courageous 5-month battle with small-cell lung cancer, Bobbie
Ann (Romano) Hilitunen, died Tuesday, February 10th, at her home in
Southfield, MI with her family by her side.

Bobbie Ann was born on December 2, 1937, in Trimountain, Michigan, to
Joseph and Antoniette (Stimac) Romano. She grew up in South Range,
living with her parents, brother, sisters and grandmother above the
Cozy Corner Bar, which was owned and operated by her parents.  Bobbie
Ann graduated from Jeffers High School, class of 1956.  She spent
summers at the family cottage in Twin Lakes. She made it a point to
swim the length of Lake Roland every summer.

Bobbie Ann was united in marriage to Clyde (Halo) Hiltunen, June 14th,
1958.  They moved to her current home in Southfield in 1965. In 1989,
Bobbie Ann and Halo parted ways.

Affectionately known as “BA” by her nieces and nephews, it was never
decided if “BA” stood for Best Aunt or Bad Attitude. Both held true,
but the majority of the time, it was definitely Best Aunt. Her home
was always always open to anyone who needed a place to stay.  Holidays
and weekends were especially busy at her house.  “Cousins Night” was a
favorite, with activities including a variety of card games and
dominoes.  Bobbie excelled at pinochle and euchre. She belonged to
various euchre clubs. She was an avid bowler and bowled a number of
600 series. Her favorite pastime was fishing.  During fishing season,
she could be found fishing different beaver dams or out at the family
fishing camp on the Salomon Trout River. Bobbie Ann was a demanding
and extremely vocal armchair quarterback.  She was a lifelong fan of
the Detroit Lions, Tigers, and Red Wings.  She was partial to the 1968
Tiger.  So much so that her youngest son’s middle name is Northrup,
after her favorite Tiger, Jim Northrup. Animals were always a part of
the Hiltunen household. Bobbie Ann made sure there was food for any
strays that ventured into her backyard.  Her favorite were the
squirrels, they were all named “Charlie”.  Bobbie Ann had a special
cookie canister just for all the Charlies.

She worked at the United States Post Office in Southfield in the
1970’s.  She later worked at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, from
which she retired after 20 years in the billing dept.

Bobbie Ann is survived by her children: Terry (Eddie) Parolini of
South Range, MI, Heidi Hiltunen of Richmond, Kentucky, Toni (Dana)
Lester of Royal Oak, MI, Lee Hiltunen (Karen Gladden).  Her grandchildren,
Dylan Carney, Meredith Rupp, Anthony Britton, Cody, Samantha and Hannah
Parms, Josh Hiltunen, Tyler, Nate and Jake Hiltunen,
Great-Grandchildren: Abby, Oliver Hiltunen, Amelia Scout
Rupp and Layla Lester.  She is also survived by a sister, Ann Marie
Romano (Dave) of Venice, Florida. A sister-in-law, Delores Romano. Her
nieces and nephews and their friends, whom she loved spending time
with, her special kitties, Misty and Chole.

Barbara was preceded in death by her oldest son, Chris Hiltunen, her
parents, a sister, Margie Parolini, brother Bill Romano, and nephew
James (Jimmy Joe) Parolini.

Our mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend will be missed by many.  We
know she is in heaven with those family and friends who passed before
her.

A Catholic Burial will take place at the South Range Cemetery, July
5th, at 12:30.

To view Barbara Ann’s obituary or to send condolences to the family,
please visit www.memorialchapel.net.