HALFWAY LOCATION ––Hazel Lora Fortin, 72, of 235 County Road 550 (Halfway Location), entered eternal life at noon Friday, October 12, 2007, at her home, in the love and care of her family and the caregivers of Lake Superior Hospice.
Hazel was born May 5, 1935, in Marquette, a daughter of Theodore and Louella (Glass) Milnes, and was a lifelong area resident. On October 20, 1955, she married Earl D. Fortin and the couple resided in Marquette for eight years before making their home at Halfway Location. Over the years, Hazel was employed at the former Northland Hotel, Morgan Heights, and Marquette Steam Laundry. For over 19 years, Hazel was employed in laundry services at the Huron Mountain Club, retiring in 1997. Hazel enjoyed attending her grandson’s hockey games, was an avid BINGO participant, liked going to the casino, and was a Packer backer. She also enjoyed knitting, being outdoors, and loved flowers, especially red roses.
Survivors include her husband, Earl D. Fortin; three daughters, Laura (Kim) Cain of Big Bay, Cindy (Ning) Pleaugh of Sands, and Joann Fortin of Halfway Location; her son, Paul (Tina) Fortin of Halfway; her grandchildren, Tony (Tara) Cain, Ashley and Krista Fortin, Cathy (Derrick) Labresh, Bobbie Sue Welkie, and Francis (Amber) Pleaugh; great-grandchildren, Justin and Parker Cain, Vincent and Daryn Day, and Lena Pleaugh; a sister, Joyce Frazier of Saginaw; a brother, James (Catherine) Milnes of Saginaw; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her parents, Hazel was preceded in death by a son, Earl David Fortin, Jr; a sister, Pearl Fortin; and brother-in-law, Edward Frazier.
Friends may call at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Thursday, October 18, beginning at 11:00 am. Funeral services will be held in the funeral home at 1:00 pm Thursday afternoon with Rev. Frank Ricca officiating. Burial will be made in the Powell Township Cemetery in Big Bay with Hazel’s grandchildren serving as escorts. A reception will follow at St. Mary’s Church in Big Bay.