Sally Marie Goupell

On November 10, 2018, Sally Marie Goupell, 68 of Posen, was granted the highest honor and privilege of meeting Jesus face to face. 

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On September 27, 1950, Sally was the first of William “Jack” and Eleanor “Jeanette” LaLonde’s 12 children to be born in a hospital. She was raised in Rogers City, along with her six brothers and five sisters, where she spent her childhood sledding down “St. John’s hill” and running from her neighbor after getting caught sneaking apples from his tree. She went to school at St. Ignatius Catholic School, Mount Mercy Academy and graduated from Rogers City High School in 1968. Sally then completed her courses at the Hollywood School of Beauty and became a licensed cosmetologist. After that accomplishment, she married her “rock,” Dennis Goupell October 25, 1969 and spent the next 49 plus years creating a welcoming home and raising a family. Over the years, Sally had numerous jobs but the most rewarding to her was being a school bus driver and bringing joy to the children on her route every day. She just recently retired as the director of Hilltop Manor, where over the course of her career there, she and her co-workers took a building full of apartments and turned them into a warm and inviting home for the elderly of the community. 

Sally was well-known for her generosity and blessed with one of the most beautiful singing voices ever heard. Through the course of her lifetime, she either sang, directed a choir or played the organ for area churches for almost 50 of her 68 years. It was a calling for her to spread the message of the love of Jesus to all who would listen, and especially to those who didn’t want to listen. Sally was also a dedicated baker and Saturdays were baking day, where it was not uncommon for 25 loaves to be made, with most of them given away to others, along with a container of homemade strawberry jam. 

Sally was an avid Bible-reader and participated in many Bible studies over the years. She was adamant about the fact that she knew where she was going after her earthly life was through and wanted to make sure that everyone else knew where they were going also. She was not one to back down from a friendly, or not-so-friendly, debate and one of her missions was to make sure that everyone had the chance to enter the Heavenly Kingdom. According to Matthew 25:23, “Well done good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!” 

Awaiting eternal reunion are her husband Dennis; and children, Shannon (Scott) Brege of Rogers City and Corey and Nicholas Goupell of Posen. 

Mugga’s memory and traditions will always live on in her “special-treasures,” grandchildren Linnea, Cassie, Megan, Mary, Sarah and Kristin Brege, and Kade Karsten. 

Sally also leaves

behind six siblings. Among those welcoming Sally to her eternal home are her parents, five of her siblings, and her mother-in-law and father-in-law. 

A celebration of Sally’s life took place at Word of Life Baptist Church in Alpena Wednesday, November 14, with visitation that morning. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in memory of Sally to Word of Life Baptist Church, or Frontline Outreach Ministry, P.O. Box 618, Hillman, MI 49746, in care of Thomas Faunce. 

Arrangements are in care of the Beck Funeral Home. Online condolences may be addressed through www.beckfuneralhome.org.