Ellen Sylvia Antila Maki Grigoni

Text of the obituary printed in the Duluth News-Tribune on Sunday, August 21, 2005 (revised to correct errors and include omissions):

Ellen Grigoni, 89 of Duluth died August 17, 2005, her loving son by her side. Born in Toivola, MN on February 3, 1916, Ellen's life was a testament to 'sisu' as she advanced the roles of women in the workplace, prevailed against adversity and lovingly cared for her family, land and pets.

Her many accomplishments included managing Co-operative stores in the 1930s and opening the one in Kelsey in 1936; her interview in the Depression-era book "The People Talk" explains the Co-ops. She was the first woman combination welder at Oliver Mining in Hibbing in 1943, a first class welder for Butler Shipyards 1944-1945, personnel manager for J.C. Penney in St. Cloud opening the new store and creating projections for the Coffee Shop which were used nationwide in 1965 and comptroller for WDIO/WIRT-TV, WMFG and WHLB radio from 1967 until the TV stations were sold in 1978. While at Channel 10 Ellen was the source for the "squirrel acorn forcasts" used by Jack McKenna who called her "Toivo Twofeathers"; she reliably predicted whether the winter would have heavy or light snowfalls by counting acorn production on oak trees in St. Cloud.

In 1972 as secretary for the Twin Ports Shipyard Reunion committee she located and contacted alumni and helped arrange activities of dignitaries.

In Los Angeles she managed the business of Tan Jay Manufacturing, a fashion house and later was accountant for many industrial, computer and retail businesses including Mariners' Unlimited in Venice which catered to celebrity sailors.

Her passion for dancing and good polka bands is fondly remembered by the old gang from Tony's Cabaret and dance partners from Chicago to L.A.

Golf was a big part of her life; her skill and style earned her the moniker "Babe", referring to Babe Didrikson, from her admirers on the course.  She won several notable tournaments. In later years she avidly watched the PGA , Senior and Champions tours and followed the progress of favorite players.

Returning to Duluth in 1982 to care for her ailing mother, Ellen found happiness in creating fabulous gardens, caring for stray animals, collecting antiques, crafting, and loving her son. She continued to work at many diverse jobs and served as an election judge in Duluth for many years.

She was preceded in death by her father Seeti Antila and brother Edwin in the flu pandemic of 1918, husband Aldo Grigoni in 1965 and mother Hilja Peterson in 1984.  Surviving is her son Michael
of Duluth, cousins in Duluth, Toivola, Michigan, California and Finland,  and beloved cats Dixie and Triskit.

Service at a later date.