"I miss you Aunt Betsy."
Elizabeth "Betsy" Gauthier, 63, of Little Lake, passed away Saturday afternoon, January 9, 2016 at her home surrounded by her loving family and under the care of U.P. Home Health and Hospice.
Betsy was born on November 26, 1952 in Marquette, a daughter of the late Theodore and Blanche (Crinklaw) Sharkey from Little Lake and lived in the Little Lake area all of her life.
Betsy worked for Gwinn Community Schools from 1990, retiring in 2013 as a noon hour supervisor and as a lunch room server. She loved working with the children and her fellow workers and found great enjoyment decorating the lunch room for all holidays.
Her hobbies included camping and spending time with her family and grandchildren, flower gardening, sewing and decorating her home for every change of the season.
Betsy is survived by her husband, Tom Gauthier whom she married on April 6, 1974; one son, Glenn (Vanea) Gauthier of Ironwood; three grandchildren, Lauren, Colin and Jacob Gauthier; her mother-in-law, Margaret Gauthier of Little Lake; siblings, Hazel (Ken) Dodge of Plainwell, MI, Eileen (Joe) Hodges of Irvington, AL, Art Sharkey and David (Mary) Sharkey, both of Little Lake; sister and brothers-in-law, Helen (Butch) Noel, Don (Sue) Gauthier, Kathy (Bill) Akerley and Cindy Gauthier, all residing in Little Lake; also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death besides her parents were three brothers, Bill, Ted and Ray Sharkey; also a sister, Kathy Kohl.
The Gauthier family will greet relatives and friends on Friday at the Canale Gwinn Funeral Home, 96 E. Stephenson Ave., Gwinn, beginning at 12 noon until the time of the memorial service in the funeral home at 2 p.m. Friday with the Rev. Ron Westman officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow the service at the Little Lake American Legion.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to U.P. Pink Power, 348 S. Francis Mine Drive, Gwinn, MI 49841 in Betsy's memory.
Her obituary can also be viewed at canalefuneral.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.
"I miss you Aunt Betsy."
"Tommy and family, sorry to hear about the passing of Betsy. She was a great lady. My prayers are hear for u guys in this time of need.ur friend melissa"
"I will always remember Betsy as one of my moms in little lake. She always had a smile and chipper personality. I will love n miss you. Rest in peace. U will always hold a place in my heart."
"Betsy, you were the best worker anyone could ask for. Your friendship will always have a place in my heart. We both were the same age and worked at the school 25 years. We retired the same year also. You will truely be missed and I hope your next journey will be grandiose! Love Gina"
"Tommy, Glenn, the Sharkeys and Gauthiers. Our deepest condolences on the passing of a wonderful wife, mother, sister, sister-in-law and friend. I have many fond memories of spending summers at the ball field with most of the members of both families. Betsy was one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and will miss seeing her around town. I am certain of one thing; heaven's ball teams uniforms (especially 2nd baseman's) will sparkle like never before. Rest in peace, old friend!"
"So sorry to hear of Betsy's passing...may all your loving memories sustain you at this difficult time."
"I remember when Conner was in 1st grade Betsy wanted to know why he never got hot lunch, when I told her was afraid she hatched a plan and personally helped him. He was so excited that Mrs. Betsy had helped him not be afraid of the lunch line. She always had a smile for the kids she will be truly missed!"
"Tommy, Glenn & all the Sharkey & Gauthier family members, I am so very sorry for your loss. Betsy's kindness & smiles were always present when we spoke. My children always spoke highly of her when they were in some school. My prayers are with you! May the Lord bless each & everyone of you in your lifes as you continue on!"
"Tommy and family: You are in my thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs and love. Nona and Rick Uren"
"Tom and Glen, I was so sorry to hear of Betsy's passing. She was a great friend and co-worker. She loved her family and especially those grandbabies. She was always smiling or laughing. Just know she is watching over you all from heaven. Love, Marti"
"Tom so sorry to hear of Betsy passing she was a great lady and will be missed by many I know my grand daughter sure liked her at school prayers for you and family Sue"
"Tom, Glenn and family, We were so very sorry to hear of Betsy's passing. You and your family are in our thoughts. May happy memories carry you all through this sad time. Mike & Laura Kirkwood"
"Tom, I was so sad to read of Betsy's passing in the paper. I always thought she was such a lovely lady. Please accept my deepest sympathy. Trudy Gray (Retired from Gwen Buck, D.D.S.)"
"I love you Aunt Betsy. Until we meet again. Terri"
"Our deepest sympathy Tom. She was a beautiful lady. Jeff & Terry Ayotte"
"So very sorry to the Gauthier and Sharkey families. Betsy was a wonderful, sweet lady and will be missed by all. I have many happy memories of Betsy starting with kindergarten class with Mrs. Sour. Many years of friendship. I'm positive that she is an angel in heaven and watching over us all. Hugs to the families. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all."
"Tom and Glenn..Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family at this time. Betsy is definitely an angel among us now. Dave and Carol Adams"
"Tom,Glenn,& the Gauthier family, You have my deepest sympathy. Betsy was such a sweet lady who loved her family , espiecally those grandchildren of hers with all of her heart.. She was so proud of Glenn & his achievements in his career. Tom had her heart all of her life. She's at peace now & I think she's probably enjoying cleaning up & make things sparkle in heaven like she always did here on earth. I'll hold onto the good memories we had while we worked together Bets. Love you."
"Tom, Glenn and Family, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you"
"To the Gauthier and Sharkey Families....We are so very sorry for your loss. May the wonderful memories you have, help to carry you through this very difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs to you all...."