Lennea Bressette

Lennea was born February 6, 1938, in Marquette, a daughter of Leonard and Wanda (Hurtley) Quilliam. She grew up on Mather Street and proudly proclaimed, ‘I’m ruff and tuff and hard to bluff and come from South Marquette’. She also would say ‘You can’t keep an ole Finlander down’. Mom was loving, fearless, gregarious, and sweet. One of her fondest childhood memories was helping her father smoke fish. She graduated from Graveraet High School, Class of 1956 and began her working career at the Soo Hardware in South Marquette. In 1959, Lennea was united in marriage to Raymond ‘Muzz’ Bressette. They established their first home on Fisher Street.

Lennea balanced her roles of wife and mother along with subsequent employments at Madelyn’s Pasty Shop and then a 20 year career with the Michigan Secretary of State Office. There, she efficiently served clients obtaining drivers licenses, titles and registrations. Lennea was especially diligent when it came to young, first time drivers taking road tests. She was determined they know the rules of the road for their safety and the safety of other drivers. There were no exceptions to the rules! Lennea retired in 2000 and began working at the Marquette City Clerk’s Office during elections, a job she held for several years. She also enjoyed working at estate sales with her friend Judy Maki.

In her leisure, Lennea enjoyed working with Judy and her other best friend since high school Joann L’Hillier, together planning class reunions, Elks Lodge spaghetti dinners and traveling. Lennea had a talent for crocheting and knitting. She loved watching her son, Paul play softball, playing bingo, singing with the Sunshine Girls, helping with funeral dinners and volunteering in the Native American Community. She was also an active member of the VASA Lodge 423 serving as Vice Chair and with her outgoing personality, enjoyed the fellowship of the Rosettes and Red Hat Society. A member of St. Peter Cathedral, Lennea served as chairperson of the Kateri Tekakwitha Circle and for many years enjoyed traveling around the country to the Tekakwitha conferences. However, what she will be remembered for the most is her love and devotion to her immediate and extended family. She was selfless in her care and concern. It was her faith in action.

A loving mom and adoring grandma, Lennea is survived by her children, Paul (Karla) Bressette, Julie (Paul) Hartman, Lois (Jeff Crumbaugh) Bressette and Lynn Sharma; grandchildren, Daniel Hartman, David Hartman and Raymond (Katherine) Bressette; great-grandson Max Bressette and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Lennea was preceded in death by her parents, husband Raymond ‘Muzz’ in 1981; and sisters, Sheila Blaubach, Gladys Blank, Rosemarie Hall and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family will receive relatives and friends in the Bishop’s Room located at St. Peter Cathedral on May 23rd beginning at 10:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 O’clock noon. A reception will follow in the Cathedral Hall. Interment will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Lana Tappy for her exceptional care and companionship to our mom.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Community Action Alger-Marquette Senior Meals Program, 1125 Commerce Drive, Marquette, MI 49855.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com