"Shirley was such a warm, fun-loving, and caring person. I know my mom, Bettie Daly, considered her one of her dearest friends. Mom loved to tell the story of how she, Bernie and Shirley would celebrate her birthday by going into to woods and picking up trash. Then, dirty from all that hard work, they would head to Red Lobster. They also had the best times doing trail maintenance together on the North Country Trail on their respective adopted segments. Shirley also remained Mom's most loyal friend as she would visit or take her out for a ride when Mom was unable to get out on her own. After Mom's passing, we took Shirley to a concert and had the best time hearing her stories of growing up in the Huron Mountain Club and her impressions upon moving to Marquette- too many lights! While my heart breaks for your loss, my heart also smiles at having had the good fortune to consider Shirley a dear friend. Nancy Kreft"
In loving memory of
SHIRLEY L. LaBONTE
September 13, 2021
Shirley Leone LaBonte, age 93, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 13, 2021 at U.P. Health System- Marquette in the comforting care of her family.
Shirley was born in Marquette, daughter of the late Edward and Leona (Desormier) Rasmussen. She was raised at the Huron Mountain Club in Big Bay, MI, where her parents were both employed. Shirley graduated from Graveraet High School in 1946.
Shirley began working as a telephone operator for Michigan Bell Telephone Company where she met and later married Bernard LaBonte. They established their home in Marquette and had five children to which she became a stay-at-home mom for a time. Later she returned to work at Michigan Bell, working in the employment office and retiring in 1987.
Shirley enjoyed sewing, knitting and biking throughout her life but especially enjoyed being outdoors hiking. As one of the founding members of the local chapter of North Country Trail Hikers, Shirley hiked the NCT across the U.P. She meticulously groomed her assigned trails, even getting on her hands and knees. She hiked and portaged canoes on Isle Royal which was also one of her fond memories. Her family loved hearing all her stories about growing up, and she had many. Her passion was maintaining the LaBonte Park for many years, which she was instrumental in adopting with the Telephone Pioneers. She enjoyed visiting with the many people who would stop to say hello while she was planting and watering flowers. Shirley also volunteered for the March of Dimes, Bay Cliff and St. Peter Cathedral perpetual adoration.
Shirley was a member of the former St. John the Baptist Church and a member of St. Peter Cathedral, Northern Center for Life Long Learning and former member of the Marquette Choral Society.
Shirley is survived by her four children, Bernadette (Pat) Wallace of Marquette, Julie (Steven) Peterson of Marquette, Mary (Scott) Anderson of Novi, MI and Tim (Donna) LaBonte of Trout Creek, MI. Brother, Edward (Mary) Rasmussen of Iron Mountain, MI; sister, Pavie Rasmussen-Donnelly of Marquette; six grandchildren, Patrick (Mandy) Wallace, Gavin (Allison) Wallace, Natalie (Chad) Fuller, Andrea (Javier) Anderson, Kristi Anderson and Stacy Anderson; ten great-grandchildren; and Beth VanDreel-Krznarich, Greg's fiancee. Besides her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard LaBonte; brother, Robert Rasmussen; son, Gregory J. LaBonte; and brother-in-law, Terrence F. Donnelly.
A Celebration of Shirley's life will be an outdoor Mass on Friday, September 24, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at the Holy Cross Cemetery in Marquette, officiated by Rev. Msgr. Michael Steber.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Shirley's name to the Northern Michigan University Foundation- Bernard and Shirley LaBonte Memorial Student Scholarship, 1401 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette, MI 49855.
Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the LaBonte family where memories and condolences may be shared at canalefuneral.com.
Tributes
"So sorry to hear of Shirley?s passing. Our mom Kitty and she were life long friends from Big Bay. That bunch had more fun than any I know; plenty of laughs and adventures. We?ll miss them dearly and they?ll live on forever in our hearts and memories. God Bless you all. Family of Kitty L. (Wendy, Jeff, Susie & Rich)"
"Shirley was a dear friend and a companion in outdoor adventures since the 1980's. Over the years we hiked, backpacked, canoe-camped, and completed a trek with the North Country Trail Hikers to traverse the entire U.P. in segments. She was incredibly generous, hosting me to stay at her home on Lake Superior when I visited in summer months after moving away. I always enjoyed her stories of growing up and working at the Huron Mountain Club, and our discussions of local and world-wide events. She was thoughtful, kind, curious and adventurous, and a friend I treasured. Janice Lindstrom Wester"
"Extending to you and your family this heartfelt assurance of deep sympathy, Marquette Area Public Schools Board of Education and Employees"
"Dear Bernadette and Family, please accept our deepest sympathies on the loss of your Mother. We hope that all the support and love that she gave to you and you to her throughout the years will be a comfort to you all. Monica and Marv Zehnder"
"So sorry to hear of the loss of such a wonderful caring person."
"Mary, I saw your mom's obituary in the online Mining Journal and wanted to let you know I was sad to see it - sometimes interactions are subtle and powerful - Your mom and dad and family were on my paper route a very long time ago and when I came to collect they always were very nice to me (and paid) haaaaaaaa. Sending a great big hug with lots of fond memories including our nights at Pier I and the beach - wink. Jerry "
"Hugs and prayers. "
"Dear Bernadette and all family, I am sorry to hear about your beloved mother/grandmother's passing. I remember taking a mushroom workshop class with Shirley when I first came to Marquette a few decades ago. She was kind and friendly. May she rest in peace. Thoughts are with you as you celebrate her life and mourn her loss. With Sympathy, Jane, Phil, and Hannah Milkie"
"I was so sorry to hear about Aunt Shirley's passing! She was always one of the kindest people I knew and she always seemed genuinely pleased to see everyone. I will never forget how tickled she was to hear the song that was played at mom's funeral or how free she was with her compliments after I sang. I will also never forget the way she lalways ooked at Uncle Bernie. Her love for him seemed to flow from that look. Now, she will be able to once again be united with the love of her life."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. Shirley lead a full life truly was a wonderful person ? Gary and Suzanne Haberman"
"Bernadette and family, it is with great sadness to hear of your mom's passing. She was a great lady and the entire Marquette community will miss her. Stay strong and know another angel is looking down upon all of you. "
"Paul and I were so sad to hear of your moms passing.I will remember her as a wonderful mom. I always thought of her as the cool mom.I know you will miss her dearly .Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.We send our thoughts and prayers.Marcia and Paul Peterson"