Pearl Mae Brownlee

Pearl May Brownlee, age 94, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died peacefully on April 28, 2024, at Hospice House of the EUP, just a day before her 95th birthday. Pearl was born on April 30, 1929, in Sault Ste. Marie to Frank and Ethel (McFarland) Jacobs. Pearl married Gil Somes in 1948 and together they had five children. Pearl spent the beginning part of her adult life as a devoted mother and housewife. She cultivated beautiful gardens, made homemade breads and pies, and spent her summers sharing her love of swimming by teaching others. She opened her home on Seymour Street to the neighborhood and offered open-swim times in her backyard pool. After spending time at home with her young children, Pearl attended LSSU and became a certified LPN. She spent her life caring for others and was an active member of the War Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for many years. In her mid-forties, Pearl married Larry Brownlee and together they moved back to Riverside Drive. They attended St. Mary’s Catholic Church. After retirement, they bought a place in Naples, Florida and divided their time. Pearl was a well-loved wife, mother, neighbor, and friend. Community was always important to Pearl and she developed many friendships through her love of golfing, bowling and playing Bridge. She was very active and social throughout her life, and played league sports in both Michigan and in Naples. Pearl loved sports, crocheting, and spent many hours making washcloths and yelling at the Tigers. She spent the latter part of her life reading fiction books in her apartment which she loved at McKinley Manor. Pearl made an impact on everyone she met. She was sweet, sassy, truthful, and devoted. She knew who she was and raised children that loved her deeply and visited her often. She had lived a full and beautiful life. She was ready to go to heaven and was welcomed home with open arms. She is survived by her children, Brenda (Jay) Welch of Sault Ste. Marie, Wanda (Bob) Marchant of Alford, Florida, Rick (Sally) Somes of Sault Ste. Marie, and Debra (David) Harwood of Brimley, Michigan; step-children, Cathy (Tom) Scozzafave of Sault Ste Marie, and Connie Deluga of Boca Raton, Florida; grandchildren, Wendy (Kevin) Ball, Jason (Maryanne) Welch, Marci (Larry) Hatfield, Joey Marchant, Kristi (Dan) Semeniuk, Ree Somes, Rachel (Jeff) Morency, Courtney (Dan) Winberg, Kira (Morgan) Mudge; step-grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Pearl is being reunited with those who preceded her in death, husband, Larry Brownle; her eldest son, Ronald Ree Somes; parents, Frank and Ethel; sister, Dorothy Krull; half-brother, Harold Miller; as well as many nieces and nephews. In lieu of a funeral and viewing, the family is hosting a celebration of life gathering and luncheon on May 18, 2024 at the Christopher Columbus Hall, 201 Sheridan Drive in Sault Ste. Marie, at Noon. All are welcome to attend. The family would like to offer a special thanks to the EUP Hospice House for their tender and loving care. Any inspired donations or contributions for the family should be received at https://www.hospiceoftheeup.com/donate/. Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.

Tributes

Pearl Mae Brownlee

April 30, 1929 - April 29, 2024