Rhea Mae Groleau
ISABELLA — Rhea Mae Groleau, 84, of Isabella, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, at her residence with her family at her side. She was born on Aug. 4, 1936, in Escanaba, the daughter of Henry and Myrle (Peterson) Turan. She grew up and attended school in Nahma, graduating with the class of 1954. Rhea furthered her education, and received her associate’s degree as a licensed practical nurse, and worked at Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital. She married Melvin Groleau, in Escanaba, on March 8, 1974.
Rhea was a member of St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church of Cooks, and a member of the altar society of St. Mary’s. She was a member of the Nahma Historical Society, and the Nahma Boat Club. She liked playing cribbage, going to bingo, and working crossword puzzles. Above all, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, and especially her great-grandchildren, whom she treasured dearly.
Survivors include her loving husband, Melvin; sons, William Hebert of Isabella, Bruce Hebert of Niles, Mich.; daughter, Jackie (Todd) Chambers of Isabella; stepsons, Pat Groleau of Waterford, Mich., and Preston Groleau of Southfield; stepdaughters, Pam Leonard of Royal Oak, MIich., Pennee Hirn of Troy, Mich.; brothers, Ellsworth Turan of Columbus, MS and Michael (Susan) Turan of Chicago, Ill.; sisters, Lois (Ric) Milkiewicz of Gladstone, Mich., and Annette (Joe) Jacques of Isabella; and sister-in-law, Arleen Turan of Manistique; 10 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Pepper Groleau; and brother, Wesley Turan.
Graveside services will be held at the Moss Lake Cemetery, on Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at 2:30 p.m. The family respectfully asks that masks be worn. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Rhea’s name may be directed to St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church of Cooks, or Schoolcraft Memorial Home Health and Hospice, 7870W Highway US-2 Manistique, MI 49854. Fausett Family Funeral Homes of Manistique and Garden is assisting the family with the arrangements. Condolences may be left on their website.