MARQUETTE - Mona Oneata Wolfe, age 97, of Marquette, entered eternal life Saturday evening, December 3, 2016, at UP Health System - Marquette, in the loving, comforting care of her family.
Born November 18, 1919, in Lakeview, Michigan, a daughter of Roy and Vera (Schmidt) Beardslee, Mona left home in the 9th grade and went to live with her grandmother so she could attend the Lakeview High School. She graduated from Lakeview High School, Class of 1937, where she enjoyed playing basketball. She began a long working career at age 14 when she began working in the local dime store, and by the time she was a senior in high school, was managing the store. Following her graduation, Mona moved to Flint where she met her future husband in 1939.
Mona and Albert John Wolfe were married December 31, 1940 in Flint. When Albert was drafted into military service during World War II, Mona, like so many other women of her generation, joined the war effort workforce (they were known affectionately as "Rosie the Riveters"). She worked as a welder at the Fisher Body Plant in Flint, helping to manufacture tanks for the military. Years later, when Albert was employed at the plant, he informed her that some examples of her welding skills were on display and used for teaching purposes. Mona desperately desired that her husband have a home when he returned from service, so she purchased a garage and gradually renovated it into their first home. Following his honorable discharge, the family resided in Flint. In 1954, Mona began a business venture in Houghton Lake known as Chief Sports Shop, which she successfully operated until 1959 when the business was sold and the family moved back to Flint. In 1961, she became business manager for Advance Upholstery until 1974 when the couple relocated back to Houghton Lake. In the late 1980's when Albert's health began to decline, the couple moved to Marquette to be nearer their son, Douglas.
Mona was ambitious, organized, caring, and giving. She was generous with her time and talent and always supportive of her family, especially her children. Known for volunteering, she kept busy using her knitting and sewing skills to make countless mittens, dish cloths, and doilies for anyone who could use them and often gave them to organizations serving the less fortunate. In her leisure, she enjoyed playing cards, especially Euchre and Pinochle, bowling, being outdoors, gardening, and fishing, even teaching Douglas the fine art of fly fishing. Mona was a deeply spiritual person who put her Christian values into daily practice. She was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church and very much appreciated her friend, Deacon Judy Britton, bringing her communion. Mona was a lifetime member of the Mt Morris Eastern Star and life member of the VFW Auxiliary in Fenton.
A loving mother and grandparent, she is survived by her son, Douglas (Susan) Wolfe of Marquette; grandchildren, Rebecca Lynn Wolfe, Sarah Elizabeth Adams, Deborah (Dan) Traynor, LouAnn (Joe) Morrill, and Scott Brancheau; great-granddaughters, Kayla Rudden, Whitney Rudden, and Madeline Morrill; many nieces and nephews. Mona was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Albert John Wolfe; her daughter, Sally Brancheau; sisters, Leatha, Gertrude, and Nellie; and brothers, Arlo, Bill, and Delmar.
The family will receive relatives and friends at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on Wednesday, December 7, beginning at 11:00 am. Rev. Rise Thew-Forrester will preside at a Requiem Eucharist at 1:00 pm Wednesday afternoon. Pallbearers will be members of Marquette Masonic Lodge 101 Free and Accepted Masons. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Entombment will be made at the Northland Chapel Gardens Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Ahmed Shriners or the Scottish Rite Scholarship Fund, C/O Marquette Masonic Lodge, 128 W. Washington Street, Marquette, MI 49855.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to the many friends and professionals who cared for Mona and for the many kindnesses extended to the family.
The Fassbender Funeral Home
Marquette, Michigan