ILENE V. LaPLANTE's Obituary
Ilene V. LaPlante, age 73, of Baraga, passed away at her home on Friday, April 12, 2013 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Ann Arbor, MI on November 6, 1939 the daughter of the late Conrad and Sophie (Yaeger) Miller. Ilene attended school in Ann Arbor and graduated from Baraga High School in 1957. She married Anthony “Tony” LaPlante in L’Anse on June 6, 1958. Ilene was a member of Most Holy Name of Jesus Church. She owned and operated A.J’s Restaurant in Baraga for 16 years. Ilene served as matron for Baraga Village, and Baraga County Sheriff’s Department. She was active in Baraga Boosters, and was a member of the Baraga Firemen’s Auxiliary. Ilene was a former board member of Baraga County Memorial Hospital, Bayside Village, and St. Vincent DePaul. She coached little league baseball and formed the Kurt LaPlante Memorial Fishing Tournament in honor of her son. Ilene organized Christmas baskets for senior and assisted living residents. She was an outstanding community leader.
Ilene is survived by her loving husband Anthony “Tony”, children Anthony(Debra) LaPlante Jr. of Kincheloe, Conrad (Nicole) LaPlante of Baraga, and Tom (Tracy) LaPlante of Baraga, Clara (Don) Chosa of Baraga, and Patty (Paul) Paavola of Elo, 15 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, twin sister Irene Pawlowski of Baraga, and Marion Bennett of Reno, NV. Numerous other family members also survive. She was preceded in death by her son Kurt, 1 grandson, 1 brother and 3 brothers-in-law.
Funeral services for Ilene were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse with Deacon John Cadeau officiating. The family greeted friends at the funeral chapel on Monday, April 15, 2013 from 6 until 9 p.m. and on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Following the funeral service, the family invited friends to join them for fellowship and a luncheon in the Harrington Gathering Room, located at the funeral chapel. Memorials in Ilene's honor may be directed to St. Vincent DePaul. Envelopes are available at the funeral chapel. Spring interment will take place in the Baraga Cemetery.
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