Laurie Belle Spencer

Laurie Belle (Bigelow) Spencer, age 69, passed away quietly with family by her side on February 9, 2022, at Evergreen Living Center in St. Ignace, Michigan, following a long illness. She was born on August 27, 1952, in Newberry, Michigan, the second child of Clifford Eugene and Esther Marie (Castle) Bigelow.

Laurie grew up in Rexton and Epoufette, graduating from Engadine High School in 1970. While working as a waitress at the Truck Stop Restaurant in St. Ignace after high school, Laurie was set up on a blind date with Allan “Al” Spencer. They were married on August 19, 1972, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brevort, Michigan. They purchased the Wonderland Hotel in 1977, and Laurie took charge of the business, running it until 2012—all the while maintaining a household with her husband Al, two young sons Allan Jr and Daniel, and 16 foster children throughout the years.

Laurie loved children and enjoyed going to her kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events and baking with them. She also loved going on drives throughout the UP, enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Laurie is survived by her husband, Allan Lloyd Spencer Sr; her children, Allan Jr (Elizabeth) of Clarendon, Arkansas, Dan (April) of St. Ignace, Bob Wiggins of Brighton, Colorado and Deanna Green of Mackinac Island; her grandchildren, Preston, Kyra, Lauren, Lila, Addison, Aubrey, Aiden and Asher; her siblings, Betsy Bigelow and Hugh (Darcy) Bigelow of Epoufette; her mother, Esther Bigelow of Epoufette; and brothers-in-law, Sid (Linda) Spencer of Cleveland, Ohio and Phil (Mary) Spencer of Jefferson, Ohio.

Laurie was preceded in death by her father, Clifford; her sisters, Shelly Bigelow and Trudy Croff; her brother, Clifford (Cliffy) Bigelow Jr; and her granddaughter, Kireston Nikole Stephens Spencer.

A graveside service and burial will take place in the spring at Epoufette Cemetary.

Galer Dodson Funeral Homes & Cremation in St. Ignace, Michigan is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.galerfuneralhomes.com.

r, age 69, passed away quietly with family by her side on February 9, 2022, at Evergreen Living Center in St. Ignace, Michigan, following a long illness. She was born on August 27, 1952, in Newberry, Michigan, the second child of Clifford Eugene and Esther Marie (Castle) Bigelow.

Laurie grew up in Rexton and Epoufette, graduating from Engadine High School in 1970. While working as a waitress at the Truck Stop Restaurant in St. Ignace after high school, Laurie was set up on a blind date with Allan “Al” Spencer. They were married on August 19, 1972, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brevort, Michigan. They purchased the Wonderland Hotel in 1977, and Laurie took charge of the business, running it until 2012—all the while maintaining a household with her husband Al, two young sons Allan Jr and Daniel, and 16 foster children throughout the years.

Laurie loved children and enjoyed going to her kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events and baking with them. She also loved going on drives throughout the UP, enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Laurie is survived by her husband, Allan Lloyd Spencer Sr; her children, Allan Jr (Elizabeth) of Clarendon, Arkansas, Dan (April) of St. Ignace, Bob Wiggins of Brighton, Colorado and Deanna Green of Mackinac Island; her grandchildren, Preston, Kyra, Lauren, Lila, Addison, Aubrey, Aiden and Asher; her siblings, Betsy Bigelow and Hugh (Darcy) Bigelow of Epoufette; her mother, Esther Bigelow of Epoufette; and brothers-in-law, Sid (Linda) Spencer of Cleveland, Ohio and Phil (Mary) Spencer of Jefferson, Ohio.

Laurie was preceded in death by her father, Clifford; her sisters, Shelly Bigelow and Trudy Croff; her brother, Clifford (Cliffy) Bigelow Jr; and her granddaughter, Kireston Nikole Stephens Spencer.

A graveside service and burial will take place in the spring at Epoufette Cemetary.

Galer Dodson Funeral Homes & Cremation in St. Ignace, Michigan is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.galerfuneralhomes.com.