Obituaries

Marie Ann Terenzi (Florence) Paquette, age 101, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, passed peacefully on February 29, 2024, at home. She was born on January 28, 1923, in Sault Ste. Marie to parents James Terenzi and Nellie (Kamon) Florence.

Marie was a Salutatorian graduate from Sault High School and went on to work as a secretary for the Sault locks during World War II. She married Edmond Paquette in 1948 and had five beautiful children together. Edmond was the owner of an Auto-Body and Repair shop where Marie worked as the bookkeeper. She also helped set up the financial aid office at Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie and was a lifelong active member of the Christopher Columbus Hall. She was also a Hospice volunteer during retirement.

Marie was a member of the St. Mary Church School in Sault Ste. Marie where she became the physical education teacher and food service attendant.

Marie enjoyed gardening, sewing, cooking, and playing cards; but most of all, she loved Jesus and being able to spend time with her family. She will be deeply missed.

Marie is survived by her children, Diane Paquette-Beard, Geary (Connie) Paquette, David Paquette, Susan Paquette and Jeffery (Cheryl) Paquette; grandchildren, Todd Beard, Glenn (Bridget) Beard, Candace Smith, Kiandra Hazelwood, Lance Paquette, and Danielle (Michael) Russo; great-grandchildren, Zoey and Jonah Beard, Connor, John, Owen, Kate Beard, Kallum and Cohen Hazelwood , Kira, Ronan, Gavin Smith, Cody, Maren, Max Russo, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and good friends.

Marie is preceded in death by her husband, Edmond Paquette; parents, James and Nellie Florence; brothers, Fred (Tuny) Florence, and Paul (Francis) Florence; son-in-law Russell Beard and grandson Trevor Hicks.

Please come join us at St. Mary’s Church on March 6, 2024, for the visitation from 10 AM until the funeral service at 11 AM, Father Al will be officiating the service. A luncheon will be held at the Christopher Columbus Hall upstairs at 1 PM.

The final resting place will be at Riverside Cemetery, in Sault Ste. Marie.

Family Life Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.