SHIRLEY M. GROLEAU's Obituary
SHIRLEY M. GROLEAU, 85, of L’Anse, died Sunday, October 26, 2003 at Bayside Village, L’Anse following a brief illness.
The former Shirley Mary King was born on October 20, 1918 to George W. and Josephine (Taylor) King in Iron River, Wisconsin. She and her family moved to Pequaming, Michigan in 1923, and spent several years of her childhood there, where her father was superintendent at the Ford Plant. After moving from there to L’Anse in 1930, she graduated as Salutatorian from L’Anse High School in 1936. Following graduation, she worked in Powers, Michigan as a secretary for the State Highway Department. She married Theodore “Ted” C. Groleau of Escanaba in 1938 in Bessemer, Michigan. He preceded her in death on September 27, 2003. The couple resided in various locations during the next ten years including, Escanaba and Detroit, Michigan, Indianapolis, Indiana, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Inglewood, California. Following this they moved to Marquette, Michigan while Ted attended college. Upon his graduation, he conferred upon Shirley a special diploma for “Putting Hubby Through.”
The couple moved to L’Anse in 1950 and resided there the remainder of their lives. Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was involved in many activities at Sacred Heart Church, where she and Ted were members for all of their years in L’Anse. She also participated with him in the St. Vincent DePaul Society, the Adult Retarded Citizens Association of Baraga County, and the Bishop Baraga Foundation. Other organizations that she was affiliated with in the past include the American Legion Auxiliary and the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary. During the late fifties and early sixties she served as Chairman of the Democratic Party of Baraga County. She also worked in the Office of the Probate Court and for the County Clerk.
Shirley strongly supported Ted in his community service activities while caring for their family over the years. She welcomed people warmly into her home and became a Mom/Grandmother figure to those whose lives she touched with her affection, generosity, and compassion. She was a faithful friend to many and greatly enjoyed their company. She had a special fondness for butterflies, and she especially enjoyed reading, doing word puzzles, playing bridge, and dancing with Ted. As a parent and grandparent, she nurtured the individuality of each of her children and grandchildren while teaching and showing them values of faith, hope, love, and a sense of humor.
In addition to her husband of 65 years, she was preceded in death by two sons, George Howard, and Timothy Clayton; a daughter, Regina Lou; a sister; Mary Cele; and a brother, George Edward, who was killed while serving in Belgium during WWII.
She is survived by three daughters; JoEllyn (Dale) Voice of Cadillac, MI, Mary Kay (Robert) Keefe of Lapeer, MI, and Peggy (Lowell) Elmblad of Ontonagon, MI; “adopted” daughters Susie Presslein of L’Anse and Cathy Elmblad of Houghton; six grandchildren; Jared and Nicholas Voice, Abbey and Teddy Keefe, Toby and Tony Elmblad, and “adopted” grandchildren, Heidi and Trudi Presslein and Spencer and Timmienne Barron. Other survivors include two nephews; Jerry (Judy) Belanger, and Rick Belanger.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Thursday, October 30, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse with Father Greg Heikkala, celebrant. A graveside committal service took place Friday, October 31, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. in the L’Anse Evergreen Cemetery. The family received friends Wednesday from 3 until 5 p.m. and from 6 until 8 p.m. and on Thursday from noon until time of service at the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel. A parish prayer service was held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday at the chapel. A time of remembrance by family and friends who wished to share memories followed at 4:30 p.m. and also at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Following Mass on Thursday, friends were invited to join the family in the Harrington Gathering Room located at the funeral chapel for a luncheon and fellowship.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggested memorial contributions to the Ted and Shirley Groleau Scholarship Fund for L’Anse Area Schools. Memorials were directed to the family and envelopes were available at the funeral chapel. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse. Shirley’s obituary may also be viewed and condolences sent at www.rfsc.net.
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