Marian Jeanette Laura

Marian Jeanette Laura was born on July 29,1924. Her parents were Cletus and Charlotte Duvall. They lived on a farm on Sigler Road in South Rockwood in Monroe County. She had 2 brothers and one sister.

She attended a one room school house across the street from her home through the 7th grade. She graduated from the 8th grade at St. Mary’s Catholic School on Church St. in Rockwood. She went to South Rockwood High School and was salutatorian of her class. After high school, she worked downtown Detroit at Michigan Bell. After a year there, she took a position at the Willow Run Ford Motor Company’s shipping office. She spent several years there until the war was over.

During her time at Willow Run, she married Emerson Laura on August 26,1944. He was a soldier at that time. They met in high school and became best friends for many years before they were married. They were members of St. Mary’s parish. They had 9 children: Sue (Jim) Wisler, Joe (Judy) Laura, Connie (Mel) Wrobel, Tom (Diana) Laura, Vickie (Nick) Spano, Jane (Rick) Podzius, Patty (Paul) Hanks, Julie Camacho, Jackie (Jim) Lemieux. All 9 children were baptized and attended St. Mary’s School. She has 18 Grandchildren and 28 Great-Grandchildren.

After all her children were in school, she went back to work. She took a position as a secretary at St. Mary’s School for 16 years. She loved working there and made many good friends with teachers and children.

Her husband, Emerson, became very ill and died in 2003. She still lived in her home in Rockwood until recently. She was still very active at St. Mary’s for many years. Her mother had taught her sewing skills, so she was an avid seamstress most of her life. She also crocheted afghans and donated them to the hospitals for many years.

Around her 101st birthday this past July, she was visited by almost all of her children, Grandchildren, and Great-Grandchildren. She loved visiting with all of them. On August 21st she passed away peacefully in her sleep. She will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends. We were so lucky to have her as our Mom!

Memorial contributions to honor Jeanette's life may be made to St. Mary Giving Basket Food Pantry