Jean Contois

Jean was born in Harvey on April 30, 1942, to the late Lloyd (Tim) Billings, Sr. and Emily (Dupras) Billings.

Jean, as she was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in God. Her passing left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and many others whose lives were touched by her.

She grew up in the Harvey and Marquette areas of Michigan, as well as in Pinckney, Michigan. She attended public schools and graduated from Graveraet High School. Jean was a kind and caring wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was known for giving the warmest hugs and baking the most delicious cookies.

On August 15, 1959, she married her husband, Eldon Contois. They initially made their home in Marquette, later moved to the Lower Peninsula, and ultimately returned to the Upper Peninsula, where they settled in Skandia.

Jean did not work outside the home in her earlier years, as she chose to be a stay-at-home mother, prioritizing her family of five children. After her youngest child started school, she managed the Country Market in Skandia for many years.

Jean doted on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, making it a point to attend horse shows, school functions, dance recitals, plays, ball games, and every event that her family participated in. She cherished spending time with her sisters, enjoying roller-skating every Thursday afternoon followed by lunch together. Additionally, she was a dedicated member of a bowling league for many years.

Jean had a fondness for her favorite soap operas, especially The Young and the Restless. She loved cooking and baking, taking pride in her homemade treats–from breads and donuts to caramel rolls and her famous apple bars, as well as “Grandma’s” spaghetti, which was a favorite among many. A long-time member of Emanuel Lutheran Church, Jean was also a strong supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Jean is survived by her husband of 65 years, her five children: Terri (Robert) Morrison of Ithaca, Michigan; Debbie (Larry) Henley of Skandia; Susan (David) Ridolphi of Marquette; Tim (Ruth) Contois; and Cheryl Roos, both of Gwinn; 16 grandchildren, including Catherine (Stephen) Green; David (Monica) Bray; Bryan Morrison; Alison (Michael) Goldsmith; Chad Morrison; Craig (Lauren) Bray; Amanda (Kevin) Goodman; Hailey Ridolphi and Tiffany Ridolphi; Britney (Joe) Grzybowski; Scott (Ashley) Hudson; Reva (Rob) Schultz; Christy Roos (Art); Taylor Roos; McKenna Roos (Boden); and Trevor Paris, as well as 17 great-grandchildren: Cassidy Bray, Bryston Bray, Desmond Bray, Kinsley, Ryker, and Harper Goodman, Darrion and Audrriana Phannadeth, and Ziva Grzybowski, Manuel, Antonio, and Guiliana Magdaleno; Charleigh Eberhard; Nolan Rolph; Lakelyn, Henry, and Cooper Hawes.

Preceding her in death, in addition to her parents were siblings Samuel (Thelma) Billings, Leonard (Armande) Billings, Mildred (Leslie) Pope, Lloyd “Butsy” Billings, Jr., Marilyn “Babe” (Richard) Paquette and Lois (Carl) St. Onge; mother and father-in-law Helen and Russell Contois; brother-in-law Eston (Claudine) Contois; and sister-in-law Diane Bryson.

A celebration of Jean’s life will be held at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Skandia on Thursday, March 13, beginning at 11:00 am until the time of service at 1:00 pm. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Interment will be made at Northland Chapel Gardens.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.