Lori Kay Santi

Lori was born on Sept. 30, 1955, in Iron Mountain. She was the daughter of Louis and LaVerne (Hoveland) Maraccini. Lori was raised in her family home, which was built by her parents, across from Moon Lake on the highway. She was the fourth child of her siblings, Lana, Michael, Thomas, Lori and Patrick.

After graduating from Kingsford High School in 1973, Lori met and married Duane Santi. These two were destined to be together for life. Lori and Duane were born a day apart at the Iron Mountain Memorial Hospital. As newborn babies, they were side by side in the hospital nursery. Their mothers were roommates in the hospital, too. Years later, as adults, Lori and Duane were side by side at the altar. They wed on Jan. 27, 1978, at the Immaculate Catholic Church and were married for 47 years. The big Italian wedding was celebrated at the Dickinson Hotel.

Together, Lori and Duane raised three daughters on the North Side of Iron Mountain. When her girls were young, Lori was a stay-at-home mother to Angeline, Gina and Maria. Lori loved to bake and was a fabulous cook! She was known for her Italian cuisine recipes and was always generous and willing to cook and bake for others.

Lori had many talents and was meticulous at them, from sewing to painting and she most of all loved refurbishing antique furniture. Lori loved a challenge. She didn’t have the patience to wait for someone to do a project for her, so she would often do it herself. This was way before DIY YouTube videos were available.

When Lori’s daughters grew older, she went to work for Bacco. Then came the grandchildren, Sofia, Domenic, Olivia, Evelyn, Domenico “Nico,” and then the twins Luca and Elliana. Lori was lovingly called “Nonnie” by her grandchildren. She showered them with love, shared her talents with them, and made many memories together. They would have sleepovers, sing and dance, play games, cook, bake, and more fun times boating and swimming.

Lori was the matriarch of the family. Christmas Eve at her house was the best time! She loved her relatives and openly expressed it. She never held back her feelings and would let you know if you were out of line! Lori was the fun and entertaining Auntie who especially loved her nieces and nephews very much.

Lori is survived by her husband, Duane; two daughters, Angeline Santi and Maria (Josh) Cory; seven grandchildren, Sofia and Domenic (Kaitlynn Davis) Pritchard, Olivia and Evelyn Brooks, Domenico “Nico”, and twins Luca and Elliana Cory; her devoted dog, Bella; sister, Lana Mortel; three brothers, Michael (Penny) Maraccini, Thomas Maraccini, and Patrick (Janet) Maraccini; her mother-in-law, Janice Santi; brothers-in-law, Tony (Patti Milinski) Santi and David (Julie) Santi; sisters-in-law, Jolene (Jim) Costello, Margie (Kevin) Voland and Paula (Steve) Gazza; Uncle Geno Maraccini, nieces and nephews, Annette, Jennie, Freddie, Danny, Alyssa, Jessa, Rayce, Mario, Marla, Marcus, Jordan, Jarrett, Anthony, Paul, Celeste, Megan and Sam; her many cousins; and her longtime friend, Jodi Wickman.

Lori was preceded in death by her daughter, Gina Santi on Aug. 13, 2025; parents LaVerne and Louis Maraccini; brother-in-law Fred Mortel; nephew Jason Maraccini; and father-in-law Joe Santi.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 2, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron Mountain,. A prayer service will follow at 3 p.m. at the funeral home. The Rev. Father Michael Chenier will officiate.

The family would like to thank Faith, Emily, and Brandy with Marshfield-Dickinson Hospice for their care and compassion.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Lori’s family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.

The family has chosen Jacobs Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Iron Mountain, to honor Lori’s legacy of life.