Inez Sisko, 89, of Ironwood Passed Away Saturday

IRONWOOD, MI - Monday, August 16, 2010 - On Saturday, a very dear friend of mine passed away. Inez Sisko was a very special lady. Deaf since birth, she could say more with a raised eyebrow, a grin, a smile, a grimace, or a twinkle in her eye than most of us can with English -- one of the most complicated languages. Inez was caring, compassionate, and thoughtful. She was always the first person to offer help. She loved people. If she knew you needed something she was there.

She had an uncanny knack for reading people's faces. You couldn't fool Inez. She could always tell if you were "for real" or trying to pull her leg. One glance into your eyes and she knew instantly if you were telling the truth or not.

Inez was quick to learn and she was very smart. She loved knitting and other crafts. I remember one time I brought her to visit her good friend June Popko in Mercer. June loved to crochet, and Inez had never tried it. I watched in amazement as June walked her through the steps. Her lesson couldn't have been more than fifteen minutes. A week later Inez and I went to visit June again. When we arrived, Inez pulled out a bag to show her friend her first crocheting project.  It was perfect! June was astonished. I was amazed -- but not surprised. It was just Inez being Inez.

She really had a way with people -- hearing or deaf, young or old -- it didn't matter to her. Even the most timid kid would take a shine to Inez once she gave them a grin and wink. She had a wonderful sense of humor and she loved to laugh and make others happy. She truly was a remarkable woman, and there are many, many of us who will miss her. Her passing leaves me with a very heavy heart, however, I feel blessed that I had the opportunity to get to know her. My sincerest sympathies go out to her family and friends.

Jim Albert