Mary Lou Willette

Willette obitituaryLou Willette died October 13, 2012 at McKinley Manor with her family at her side after being recently diagnosed with cancer.She was born May 8, 1922 in Mayo, Quebec to Thomas and Ethel Burke and was raised in Sault Ste Marie Ontario. She graduated from Soo Collegiate in Soo, Ontario.Mary Lou was married to Russel James Willette October 11, 1943. She first met her husband at a dance in Soo, Ontario but they didn’t meet up again until a year later when she was helping with a play at Soo High. There was a mixer afterward and Russ approached her and asked if she would be kind enough to give him the first dance. They knew they were meant for each other and the rest is history. They were happily married for 49 years until Russ’s death in 1992. Lou has missed him every day since.Lou worked at Jean’s Jewelry store for 17 years and often gave presentations at area high schools on china and silver. Lou was an active member in St. Mary’s and Loretto Home and School. She was member of the Alter Society at St. Mary’s Catholic Church where she was a past president and served as Eucharistic minister, helping out at area nursing homes. She also made her rounds picking up people for mass. She was a member of the War Memorial Hospital auxiliary and volunteered regularly at the gift shop. Lou is survived by her son Thomas (deceased) wife Kathleen of Brownstown, Mi, her daughter Suzanne of Portland, Or and her son Timothy (Deborah) of Green Bay, Wi.She is also survived by her grandchildren Shauna, Jack, Christopher and Ted and by her great grandchildren Amanda, Drake, Logan, Gage, and William.Funeral Mass will be held at St. Marys Catholic Church at 11am on Tuesday, October 16th. Burial will be at Oaklawn Chapel Gardens. A luncheon sponsored by St. Marys Alter Society will be held 130pm at McKinley manor, 2023 W. 4th. Parking is limited so please car pool if at all possible. Donations in her name can be made to Chippewa County Hospice.The family wishes to thank the staff of McKInley Manor who provided not only care and support but became her extended family.Clark-Bailey-Newhouse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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Mary Lou Willette

May 8, 1922 - October 13, 2012