Marilyn Jean Gauthier

Born Marilyn Jean Homier on May 14th, 1934, in L’anse, Michigan, to Edward and Muriel Homier, she was raised in L’anse, Michigan, graduating in 1952.

As a young girl, Marilyn was always the good girl, never getting into mischief. She spent her summers swimming at the Falls River mitten hole, riding her new Schwinn and participating in CYO. In the winter, it was all about skating, tobogganing, and singing in the church choir.

Marilyn married her high school sweetheart, Marvin Gauthier on July 31st, 1954. After a couple other jobs Marilyn began her long career at Bunny Bread, retiring in 1988, after 29 years.

They were married nearly 69 years before Marv’s passing in 2023. They resided in Marquette, Michigan, until relocating to their home in Big Bay, Michigan on Lake Independence.

Marilyn and Marv shared many adventures — boating several of the Great Lakes and into Canada, snowmobiling in the Upper Peninsula, and traveling around the U.S. and Mexico. After retiring, they became snowbirds, spending winters at their home in Sarasota, Florida, even making the round-trip drive themselves far into their 80s.

After retiring Marilyn learned to golf and enjoyed many a day on the links with her girlfriends. For many years Marilyn also enjoyed being a part of the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed crafting, especially ceramics where she made several beautiful pieces that adorn her home in Big Bay. She was also an avid gardener and a great cook, from her homemade lasagna to her famous raspberry jam, one of the many fruits of her gardening labor.

Marilyn also loved her dogs, from Corky the hound, to a Scottie named Daisy, and all the others in between.

Preceding her in death were her parents; husband, Marvin Gauthier; brothers-in-law, Ward Gauthier, Joseph Zager, Ed Ellis, and Joseph Sirard. She is survived by her sister, Doreen Zager; sister-in-law, Nancy Ellis; Nephews, Joe Sirard, Jeff (Cynthia) Sirard, Jaren Sirard; nieces, Lisa Sirard, Michelle Ellis, and Nicole (Cory) Wisehart; several great nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Services will be held at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, in Big Bay, on Friday, August 9th with visitation from 11:30am-12:00pm prior to the mass. A short ceremony at the Powell Township Cemetery will follow, with a reception to be held at Thunder Bay Inn afterwards.