"To Fran and Family: I am so sorry for your loss. Though I did not know your Mother I know she had to be a fun loving and giving person like her son has been to me. God Bless all of you and I will keep your family in my prayers."
In loving memory of
ELIZABETH MARIE (BETTY) GINGRAS
January 21, 1911 - March 10, 2010
Elizabeth Marie "Betty" Gingras, age 99, went to her Lord on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at Brookridge Heights Assisted Living in the presence of her loving family.
She was born in Marquette on January 21, 1911, to Ziel and Emma (DuBois) LaBonte. Betty was the second of eight children and lived in Marquette most of her life. She was baptized, confirmed, and married at St. John Catholic Church in Marquette. After St. John's closed, she became a member of St. Peter Cathedral. During the summer, Betty and her family attended St. Louis the King Parish in Harvey.
Betty was Salutatorian of her class, graduating in 1928 from Bishop Baraga High School.
In 1934, Elizabeth married Homer Gingras, and together, they raised 10 children.
In Marquette, Betty worked at Wickstrom Garage as secretary/bookkeeper. During this time, she also worked, at home, for various groups such as the French Club and South Shore Railroad Union as their accountant. She also worked as secretary for the Iron Workers Local. Betty was a wiz at taking shorthand.
In 1964, Betty, Homer, and their four youngest children moved to Newberry where Homer worked for the Michigan Department of Transportation. Betty worked at the Newberry State Bank and later at the Newberry State Hospital. While working for the hospital, Betty became one of the hospital's first employees to learn how to use and program a computer.
When Betty and Homer retired in 1975, they returned to Marquette and spent as much time as possible at their cottage on the shore of Lake Superior, which they built in 1940.
In 2003, after recovering from a fractured hip, Betty moved to Brookridge Assisted Living. Betty enjoyed interacting with the residents and staff. She participated in numerous activities offered and she also organized Bridge and cribbage card games.
Betty was an active member of the Daughters of Isabella for many years. She enjoyed being associated with the members and participating in their activities.
Betty loved to play many different card games. Bridge was her favorite. Throughout her adult life, she belonged to a Bridge Club. She also taught Bridge, and over the years, there were many who learned the game from her. In addition, she taught her children and grandchildren how to play Canasta, Euchre, Hearts, Pinochle, Rummy, Cribbage, and more. Even when she was 98 years old, she could add up the cards on the table faster than any of her children or grandchildren. It was always a triumph if anyone could beat Mom or Grandma in a game.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Homer, in 1990 and her loving daughter, Phyllis Maki, in 2009 and her granddaughter, Catherine Ann Gingras, in 1963. Twin infant sons who died shortly after birth, were baptized and both were named Joseph. The nuns at St. Mary's Hospital named them both Joseph. Parents Emma and Ziel LaBonte; sisters: Eleanor LaBonte, Margerie Vanitvelt, and Katherine Burchard; and brothers: Edward, Oliver, Ernie, and William LaBonte.
Betty is survived by nine of her children: Clement (Carol) of Iron Mountain, Sharon Haglund of Ann Arbor, Ronald (Barbara) of Marquette; Francis (Jacqueline) of Traverse City, David (Judith) of Muskegon, William (Linda) of Traverse City, Mary (Gerald) Messenger of Manistique, Carol (David) Liagre of New Albany, IN, and Robert (Joyce) of Traverse City. Betty is also survived by her son-in-law Carlo Maki, and 28 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Throughout her entire life, Betty was an inspiration to everyone, especially her children. She loved every member of her family and had exceptional relationships with each of them. She always found the positive side of events and circumstances. She never said a mean word about anyone. Betty put her trust in the Lord, Jesus Christ, to lead her life every day. And what a wonderful life it was!
Visitation will take place on Sunday, March 14th from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home where a parish prayer service will be recited at 5 p.m. Friends may also call at the Bishop's Room of St. Peter Cathedral on Monday from 12 noon until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at 1:30 p.m. Monday in the cathedral with the Most Rev. James H. Garland, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Marquette and Rev. Michael Steber concelebrating, and assisted by Deacon David Adler. Rite of Committal will take place in the spring at the Holy Cross Cemetery.
One of Betty's last wishes was that her 15 grandsons would act as her pallbearers.
Memorials may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Peter Cathedral, or Lake Superior Hospice Association.
Betty's family would like to offer sincere thanks to the staffs of Brookridge Heights Assisted Living and the Lake Superior Hospice Association for their exceptional care of Betty over the last few years.
Kindly share memories with the family on Betty's guestbook at www.canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"Dear Gingras Family, I am Linda VanOosting, granddaughter of your mother's brother Oliver LaBonte. In researching our family tree, I came upon Ms. Gingras' obituary today. Please accept my condolences on your loss. It is clear from the guestbook that you were a true joy to your mother and I will keep your family in my prayers."
"Bob & Family: My condolences to all of you on the loss of your mother. When I read her obituary in the Mining Journal, it brought back memories of when your folks lived on the boulevard and we used to get together and play at Amy Hicks' house. You can feel so blessed that you had your mom for so many years and that she lived a wonderful, full life. May you find comfort in all your precious memories."
"To the Gingras Family, I am so sorry for your loss I remember your Mother very well she was My Dad's secretary for Iron Workers local 783 for quite a few years and she always did an excellant job at helping John Hassel keep on task by making appointments for him and keeping the locals books up to date my thoughts and prayers are with you"
"To Sharron and all the family; We are in Az. and read the obituary in the mining journal. We were just talking about Betty the other day and wondering about her. We want to send our sincerest condolences to all your family.We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers."
"The Gringras Family What a wonderful legacy she has given this world. We send our thoughts and prayers to all of you, may God's peace be with you. Love to you all, Bill and Terri"
"Ron & Barb, I am so sorry for your loss. Cherish the loving memories you have of your mom. What I knew of her she was a great person."
"Fran, Bill, Bob, What a wonderful obituary you have written for your mother. I'm sure you will have many fine memories that will last for generations. God's peace and blessings to you and the entire family."
"Our girls always loved being around Grandma Gingras. No doubt they couldn't wait to get into a card or board game. You couldn't help but feel "lucky" to be partnered with her as she usually came through with a win. Betty was a winner in all ways. She led her Christian life as God commanded. She was smart, kind, patient and in gatherings, her attitude was "The more the merrier." She had a way of making you feel welcomed and special. She could also control situations leading astray. I've seen her grab her son by the ear and with an authoritative soft voice say, "That's enough." She was a wonderful role model and possessed excellent leadership skills. I loved her and will miss my Mother-in-Law. She left us with wonderful memories. I will celebrate her earthly life and the one she shares with Almighty God. Her reward is GREAT! My condolences to the family."
"My deepest sympathy and prayers for the Gingras family. I worked with Betty for many years at the Newberry Regional Center. We traveled together to Minneapolis in 1968 for training at the IBM center. We spent many enjoyable hours shopping and trying different restaurants. We had many laughs such as the hotel bellhops threatening to nail our room door shut if the Tigers took the world series. We learned of a hotel restaurant that offered a free drink with our meal, only to learn the free drink had to be at the bar where we observed "funny" behavior going on. Needless to say we made a fast get away back to our hotel! Betty was a joy to work with and to know. I am sure her family will miss her."
"We will keep the Gingras family in our prayers during this difficult time. Betty lived a very long life and at this time is in a better place."
"Betty was an amazing woman always had a smile and a kind word to say to everyone she meet it was my pleasure to take of your mother for so many years at Brookridge she is now with her Lord ... thoughts and prayers are with you all"
""Grandma Betty" was such a dear. I remember when she broke her hip and my mom and I went to visit her in Saginaw. We just came in and said "hi, Grandma Betty" and then explained that we belonged to Katie and Gabby. She will be missed by all and I will never forget her."
"Betty was the most positive lady I ever met. She always had something good to say about everything and everyone. Her belief in God was amazing, she is now with the Lord, God Bless her."
"My memories go back to the 70's with Homer and Betty playing cards with my parents. The laughter kept me awake as my bedroom was right above the dining room where they were all playing cards. This was OK as the laughter always made me feel happy. My father (Howard Ouellette, formerly of Newberry) and all the Ouellette children send many prayers your way. May God bless you all, as you were truely blessed."
"Ron and family I'm so sorry for your loss. She is in heaven looking down upon you. Keep your memories at heart. Love, Laurie Duquaine"
"Betty will be missed by many friends and family. My condolences. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. She was a kind and caring person to everyone. She was a mother and granmother to be proud of."