HILDA SHIRLEY MARCELLA OTOWADJIWAN
April 29, 1944 – June 1, 2024
Hilda Shirley Marcella Otowadjiwan, age 80, of Negaunee Township, passed away peacefully at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, USA in the comfort of her loving family on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Hilda was born on April 29, 1944, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, to Theresa (nee Wassegiijig) and Lawrence Lewis (Otowadjiwan). She graduated from Loretto Catholic Central High School, Class of 1962. She married the late Wayne Tadgerson, and together they raised their family in Negaunee. When her children were grown, Hilda returned to school and earned her Early Child Development degree from Northern Michigan University, Class of 1997. Hilda, Niigaanigiizhigokwe (Leading the Day Woman), was a proud member of the Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, Manitoulin Island. Hilda enjoyed spending time with her family and was an avid harvester and gardener. She was an expert crafter in beadwork, basket making, quillwork, leatherwork and sewing. All of her crafts were lovingly gifted to family and friends. She looked forward to attending the annual family moose hunting trip in Canada. Hilda loved hosting and cooking for her family every holiday and family gathering. She followed her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s sports and extracurricular activities until her recent illness. Surviving are her children, Cheryl (Dave) Bernier of Brimley, Aaron (Teresa) Tadgerson of Brimley, Lynn (April) Tadgerson of Negaunee, Danny (Terri) Tadgerson of Brimley, Patrick (Tammy) Tadgerson of Brimley, Jimmy (JoAnn) Tadgerson of Negaunee, Jennie (Errol) Lukkarinen of Negaunee, Dennis (Tasha) Tadgerson of Marquette, Carrie Hale of Sault Ste. Marie, and Raymond (Jessie) Tadgerson of Reno, Nevada; two brothers, Chet (Peggy) Lewis of Westerville, OH and Richard (Stephanie) Lewis of Sault Ste. Marie; sister-in-law, Joan Lewis of Front Royal, VA; and 25 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Hilda is preceded in death by her parents, her son, Michael Tadgerson and two brothers, Kenny and Byron Lewis. A traditional fire was lit at Hilda’s home, 174 Valley Rd., Negaunee. Visitation began at 5 pm on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, at Koskey Funeral Home and continued throughout the night. Traditional Native American services were held at the funeral home at 10 am on Thursday, June 6, 2024, before burial services in the Negaunee Cemetery. A luncheon followed at the Negaunee Elks. Hilda’s memorial page may be viewed at KoskeyFuneralHome.com.
