Marie Elaine LaLonde
Marie Elaine LaLonde, 90, of Onaway, died peacefully at home Friday, July 25, 2025, with her family at her side. The daughter of Don and Iva (Porter) Rogers, she was born in Onaway August 15, 1934. Blessed with 60 years of marriage, Marie and Robert Eugene “Gene” LaLonde were married in Petoskey October 21, 1961.
With her years of working the front desk at Dr. Finch’s office and her involvement in the community, Marie was well-known in the Onaway area. Wherever she happened to be, Marie usually bumped into someone she knew. With her cheerful disposition, she would chat briefly before being on her way. Marie served the community as an EMT as well as serving on the Russell Memorial Hospital board and the Presque Isle County DHS board for 40 years. She was a 4-H leader and a longtime member of both the Better Acquaintance Club and the Smiling Circle Club.
Besides working for Dr. Finch and being involved in the community, first and foremost, Marie was a dedicated wife and mother. She treasured her husband, children and grandchildren and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as a grandma and the beautiful chaos that comes with a houseful of grandkids. Everyone was welcome at Marie’s home and she treated everyone like family. She hosted holiday meals for her gang and invited those who didn’t have a place to join her family. Anyone who had a meal prepared by Marie can attest to the fact she was an amazing cook and a wonderful baker. Marie enjoyed gardening, camping, sewing and crafting. With her unique skills for repairing dolls, she restored antique dolls, fixed new dolls, and welcomed all shapes and sizes of dolls to her “doll hospital.” Marie collected cookie jars, amassing quite an assortment through the years. Marie LaLonde was the complete package of love, humor, compassion, hospitality and so much more. She was absolutely the best mom and grandma, not only to her own, but to so many others that she treated as family. She was incredibly strong in every sense of the word (maybe a little stubborn), had unwavering faith in God, and was grateful for all her blessings. What an example she is of a life well lived!
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Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Gene, May 8, 2021; a brother, Mervin (Elaine) Rogers; a son-in-law, Callen Chapman; and her parents.
Marie’s family will receive friends at Chagnon Funeral Home Friday, August 1, from 11 a.m. until the time of the memorial service beginning at 1 p.m. Her son-in-law, the Rev. Bob Joseph will officiate. Marie’s final resting place will be at Hillcrest Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a contribution in memory of Marie to the Onaway Ambulance Fund.
