Janice Pesola Brown

MARQUETTE, MI – Almost a century of Janice Pesola Brown. His Will always prevailing, the Lord fulfilled His final promise to one of His saints, calling Janice Mary LeDuc Pesola Brown home to Heaven, after 98 years and 30 days of an active, loving, impactful life. She left us at sunset on August 30, 2021, during the sounds of Amazing Grace. Just 30 days earlier, family and friends gathered to celebrate her 98th birthday, not knowing she would be heaven-bound so soon. Janice was known to her family and many others as Mama and remained as sharp as a tack to the very end, softly whispering “bless your hearts” to family members who gathered at her side. Indeed, “amazing grace” was happening at that very moment. And to those who have lost people at various stages of their lives, we are sure that Mama prayed for them, and you. That is who she was. Everyone who knew Mama remembers her as a “center of fun”, whether it was as a Duplicate Bridge Player (or poker), a member of the “McClure Dam Weiner Eater’s Association”, a host or guest for her many great friends at Seven Lakes in Ft. Myers; the organizer of the “8 days a week happy hour” at her final home, Norlite Nursing Center, or in everyday life in Marquette, a “trip to the Island”‘ a “walk in the woods at camp”, a “party” before dinner at the Villa, or shucking oysters with her grandson, DJ. But, of course, there was also the loss of two sons, two loving husbands, and life’s other problems. Mama did indeed experience “the best of times and the worst of times.” And most of us either already have, or soon will. Her bio includes that she was born on August 1, 1923, to William and Elsie LeDuc, graduated from then Graveraet High School in 1941, and then married the “Daddy of the family, Ernest Pesola in 1943, and worked for the Air Force in Miami Beach, Gulfport, MS, and Mountain Home (beans), Idaho. After the war, they settled in beautiful Marquette, where Ernie opened Pesola Auto Repair, and they raised the “5-B’s”, Billy (Kathy), Bruce (Karie), Bobby (Timothy), Brian (Wendy), and her (debatable) favorite, Brent. After Ernie was suddenly called to Heaven in 1984, Janice continued to spend winters in Florida and summers at home in Marquette. She and her beloved dog, LeDuc, then stayed in Florida year-round for several years, further forging relationships with the amazing people at Seven Lakes (too numerous to list, but you know who you are). In 1986, Janice was re-acquainted with her childhood friend, Bill Brown, and married him soon thereafter, adding Heather Larson, and Bill and Scott Brown to the family. In addition, Grandma, Mimere, and/or Grandma Jan was blessed with 12 grandchildren, Dallas (DJ), Staci, Jess, Joana, Colin, Jessica, Chris, Kristy, Laurie, Jackson, Karis, and Caden, and numerous great-grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, and others. Her own wishes were not to have a funeral, but a Memorial Mass to honor her will be held at St. Michael Church, on October 30th, at 4:00 pm. The family would like to express their gratitude to the entire staff and residents at Norlite Nursing Center and her Earthly Angel, Jackie. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in her honor to Norlite Nursing Center Activity Fund, 701 Homestead Street, Marquette, MI 49855 or UPAWS (Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter), P.O. Box 968, Marquette, MI 49855. God Blessed Mama. We believe that regardless of your faith or belief system, God will Bless You too. Thank you to all of Mama’s family and friends who have loved her so unconditionally. Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.