Lois St. Onge

Lois was born in Chocolay Township on May 11, 1930 to the late Lloyd (Tom) Billings, Sr. and Emily (Dupras) Billings. She grew up in the Harvey area and attended the public schools, graduating in 1948 from Graveraet High School. While still in school she worked part time as a waitress and later as a secretary for a local attorney and a credit company. On September 16, 1950 she married her husband Carl in St. John’s Catholic Church and they made their home in Marquette. Lois continued working until they started their family of six children who were her number one priority. Lois and Carl worked side by side in their construction business, she as secretary/bookkeeper, using their home as an office so she could be there for her children. They also owned several rental properties which Lois managed and a local party store where she helped out. Retiring after 30 plus years, Lois began volunteering at St. Louis Catholic Church where she was a member.

Lois was a devoted animal lover and always had at least two of her own and one or two left by her children when they moved out of the house. She loved following the Detroit Tigers and Nascar, especially the Earnhardts. She loved to dance and could polka with the best of them. She was a member of several bowling leagues over the years and even won a few trophies. In her “spare time” she would hang out with her sisters roller skating, bowling, shopping and having lunch. Her greatest joy was the family gatherings, especially Christmas. Lois was well known for her potato salad, apple pies and a variety of cookies.

Lois is survived by her husband of 74 years, her six children, David (Debbie) St. Onge, Gail Acocks, Donald (Beth) St. Onge, Steven (Jan) St. Onge, Daryl (Tammy) St. Onge, and James (Kelly) St. Onge all of Marquette; 14 grandchildren, Stephanie Carlson, Stacy (Mark) Cowan, Shelby (Kurt) Hillier, Shannon (Chris) Jackson of Marquette, Neal (Laurie) St. Onge of Minnesota, Maisie (Cory) Rodgers of Tennessee, Amy (Ricky) Riley of Florida, Matthew (Kim) St. Onge, Danielle (Cody) Langdon, Brianna (Nick) Benson, Jordan St. Onge, Alex St. Onge, Theresa (Jerry) Hassell and Roy Sicotte of Marquette; 25 great grandchildren, Tammi Lynne (Josh) Swatsell, Ryan (Kaitlin) Carlson, Caitlyn Carlson, Carleigh (Avery) Eskelinen, Tyler and Ryleigh Jackson, Carter, Charlotte and Alyse St. Onge, Jameson Rodgers, Braydon and Allie Riley, Hailey, Hannah and Morgan St. Onge, Crew and Azalea Langdon, Beau, Warren and Baby (due in December) Benson, Madyson and Oaklynn St. Onge, Jadyn, Jenna and Evan Hassell and three great-great grandchildren, Mason and Brody Swatsell and Asher Eskelinen.

Also surviving is her sister Jean (Eldon) Contois of Skandia, several nieces, nephews and cousins and her beloved canine babies Mork and Mindy.

Preceding her in death besides her parents were siblings Samuel (Thelma) Billings, Leonard (Armande) Billings, Mildred (Leslie) Pope, Lloyd “Butsy” Billings, Jr, Marilyn “Babe” (Richard) Paquette, grandson Adam St. Onge and great grandson Daren Hillier.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024 from 9:30 to 11 am at St. Louis the King Catholic Church. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 am in the church with Rev. Thomas Merkel officiating. A luncheon will follow the Mass in the church hall. Entombment will take place at Northland Chapel Gardens Cemetery.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the caregivers at Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice for their compassionate and professional care of Lois, with a very special thank you to Jamie, who became a friend, a great source of comfort for her and a special member of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855, UPAWS, 815 South M-553, Gwinn, MI 49841 or the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, National Headquarters, ATTN: Financial Operations, 733 Third Avenue, Ste. 510, New York, NY 10017.

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting the family where memories may be shared at canalefuneral.com.