Jeanette E. Gingras, 82, of 220 Genesee Street, Marquette, entered eternal life Wednesday morning, May 31, 2006, in the Hospice Suite at Marquette General Hospital, in the care and comfort of her daughter and the caregivers of Lake Superior Hospice.

Born March 4, 1924 in Negaunee, a daughter of Albert and Julia (Senical) Dugas, Jeanette moved to Marquette as a young child and later graduated from the Graveraet High School in 1941.  She worked for a time as a telephone operator with Michigan Bell Telephone.  On April 25, 1946 she married Joseph A. “Cuke” Gingras at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and together the couple established their home, later raising daughter, Judie, in Marquette.  Jeanette assumed her role as homemaker and mother, as well as being active in her parish, where she served St. John’s by being instrumental in the initial phases of the altar society and its pasty sale operations.  During these years, she served on several committees and was a consistent volunteer, also serving as altar society president for many years.  In 1988, Jeanette suffered a serious stroke which left her disabled.  Being strong willed, determined, and unwilling to accept her plight, Jeanette fought to regain whatever she could.  In her wheelchair, she was a constant participant at BINGO functions and frequently visited the casino and local restaurants.  She loved to travel and one of her favorite activities was riding around Presque Isle.  If a car was going, Jeanette was ready.  In fact, her participation in these events was greater than before her stroke.  She was a member of the former St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and currently a member of St. Michael Catholic Church..  She was also a member of the former Daughters of Isabella and the American Legion Auxiliary.

Jeanette is survived by her daughter, Judie Gingras; grandson, Rusty (Lisa) Bowers and their children, Joseph, Jack, and Jessica, all of Marquette; sisters-in-law, Dora Woodbridge of Westland and Delima Mantela of Olympia, WA; brother-in-law, Richard Sarasien of Marquette; and nephew, Rick (Cindy) Sarasien of Marquette; along with several other nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joseph, in 1993; sisters, Genevieve Martin, Lucille Dugas, and Leona Sarasien; and a brother and sister as children.

Friends may call at St. Michael Catholic Church on Saturday, June 3, beginning at 12:00 noon.  A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 2:00 pm Saturday afternoon with Rev. Msgr. Jed Patrick as celebrant.  A reception for family and friends will follow in the parish center.  Burial will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery.

The Fassbender Funeral Home is serving the family.