MARQUETTE – Irene L. Croschere, 85, of 1255 Vandenboom Street, Marquette, entered eternal life Thursday morning, October 5, 2006, at her home. Irene had been in ill health for the past few years and had been in the compassionate care of her family.

Born February 17, 1921 in Tipler, Wisconsin, a daughter of Kenneth and Eva (Williams) LaBelle, Irene’s family moved to Marquette, and she later graduated from the Bishop Baraga High School in 1939. On April 6, 1940, she married Leslie Earl Croschere Sr, and together the couple established their home and raised their family in Marquette. Irene enjoyed her role as wife and mother and, through the years, loved being at home and spending time with her family. She enjoyed craftwork, knitting, and crocheting for family and friends, and could always be counted upon to contribute her handiwork for church bazaars. She was always eager to pass on those skills to her grandchildren. In her leisure, Irene found pleasure in watching the boats at Presque Isle and going for long rides in the car. Christmas was her favorite time of year and she carefully planned the selection of gifts for each and every member of her family, recently remarking that she needed to begin making her Christmas selections. A member of St. Christopher Catholic Church, Irene was a member of the altar society, assisted on the pasty crew, and helped with numerous bazaars. She was also a member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.

A loving and devoted mother and proud grandparent, she is survived by five daughters, Connie (Ron) Juneman of LasVegas, NV, Donna (John) Lamirand of Gwinn, Bernice (Fred) Nees of Harvey, and JoAnne (John) Morrin and Kathy “Katie” Croschere both of Marquette; “adopted daughters”, Marge Doherty and Donna Yetter both of Marquette; four sons, John “Jack” Croschere, Kenneth (Debbie) Croschere, and Leslie (Regina) Croschere Jr all of Marquette, and Larry (Debbie) Croschere Sr of Iron Mountain; her grandchildren, Brett (Kim) Juneman, Ben (Theresa) Lamirand, Jean (Clyde) Tarvas, Jacqueline (Daren) Schroeder, Mary Jo (Alex) Saari, Nancy Nees, Timothy (Tracy) Morrin, Troy and Cory Croschere, Kenneth (Kristi) Croschere Jr, Shannon Maki, Amy (Mark) Kangas, Carrie (Jon) Wheeler, Leanne (James) Herrington, Leslie Irene Croschere, Christine Croschere, Jennifer Croschere, Larry Croschere Jr, Matthew Croschere, Damion Deneau, and Faithann Abraham; 28 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Henry (Lorraine) Croschere of Marquette; sisters-in-law, Betty Croschere and Eunice LaBelle both of Marquette, Nancy Croschere of Waukegan, IL, Ruth Croschere of Negaunee Township, Barbara “Peachy” Martin of Midland, and Alice Croschere of Negaunee; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her canine and feline companions, Bailey and Rascal. In addition to her parents, Irene was preceded in death by her husband, Leslie E. Croschere Sr; son, Earl “Snooky” Croschere; son-in-law, John Morrin; grandson, Christopher Paul Lamirand; great-grandchildren, Cheyenne, Dylan James, and Mackenzie Leigh Croschere; sisters, Bernice LaBelle, Marie LaBelle and Margaret Anderson; and brothers, Vernon, Frank, and Charles LaBelle.

Friends may call at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Sunday from 5:00 to 8:00 pm where a parish prayer service will be held at 7:30 pm. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Monday, October 9, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Christopher Catholic Church, Monday afternoon at 1:00 pm, with Rev. Lawrence Gauthier as celebrant. Burial will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery with Irene’s grandsons serving as escorts and her granddaughters serving as honorary escorts. A reception for family and friends will follow in the church fellowship hall.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff of UP Home Health, Hospice, and Private Duty, Arcadia Health Care, the Marquette Township Fire Department, and Marquette General EMS for the many kindnesses extended to Irene and her family.