Joanne Villemure
MARQUETTE, MI-Longtime Newberry resident, Joanne Lucille Villemure, 82, died peacefully Saturday evening May 17, 2025 at U.P. Health Systems-Marquette surrounded by her loving family.
Born March 19, 1943 in Superior, Wisconsin, daughter of the late Peter and Rilla (Schafter) Quinlan, Joanne moved with her family to the Rexton area in 1956 and was a 1962 graduate of Engadine High School.
On July 23, 1966, Joanne married Robert J. Villemure at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church and made Newberry their home. In addition to being a devoted homemaker raising her family, Joanne co-owned and operated with her husband Villemure Oil Company for 26 years, retiring in 1994.
Joanne was a longtime member of St. Gregory’s Catholic Church where she served on the altar society and was affectionately known as the ‘St. Gregory’s stripper’. She also served on the McMillan Township Election Board, the Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Agency Board and member of the Red Hat Society. Joanne enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, picking blueberries, cooking, baking and spending time with her family.
In addition to her parents, Joanne is preceded in death by her grandson Kent Robert Bodi in 2000 and brother Frank Quinlan in 2006.
Survivors include her loving husband, Bob, of Newberry; daughters Michelle ‘Shelly’ (Bill) Rushford of Curtis and Melissa ‘Missy’ (Gary ‘Stuey’) Olivier of Marquette; grandchildren Jamie (Dustin Auge) Rushford, Brett (Kassie) Rushford, Marissa Rushford, Blake (Bill) McAlpine and Kraig (Alanah Saldana) Bodi; great-grandchildren Camden Auge, Cooper Auge, Hadley Auge, Kaiden Rushford, Bristol Rushford, Carson Kennedy, Aubrey McAlpine and Mallory McAlpine; siblings Tim (Donna) Quinlan of Newberry and Barbara (Lou) Bennett of Newberry; sister-in-law Alice Quinlan of Newberry; several nieces and nephews.
A gathering of family and friends will take place Tuesday June 3, 2025 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Newberry. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Joanne will follow at 1:00 pm at the church with Fr. Jacek Wtyklo officiating. Rite of Committal will follow at Forest Home Cemetery.
Memorials may be directed to St. Gregory’s Catholic Church or to annual kids tackle party in care of the Luce County Community That Cares coalition in her loving memory.
Condolences may be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com
Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family.