Phyllis Marie Gaudette

Phyllis Marie Gaudette, 83, of Onaway, had her heavenly homecoming Friday morning, August 7, 2026. She was surrounded by her family. 

Born in Forest Township October 24, 1942, Phyllis was the daughter of Warren “Ted” and Jean (Buzzell) Skinner. She graduated from Onaway High School in 1960 and, December 10 of that same year, married the love of her life, Paul A. Gaudette. Together they shared 45 wonderful years of marriage before Paul’s passing in 2005.

A lifelong resident of Forest Township, Phyllis built a life rooted in family, hard work and simple joys. She worked for Procter & Gamble in Cheboygan for several years before beginning a career in food service at the UAW Education Center at Black Lake. Over the years, she served in many roles at the center, including pantry and laundry work. After retirement, she and Paul enjoyed traveling together and making treasured memories along the way.

Phyllis found deep contentment in life’s simple pleasures. She loved sitting on her deck, sipping hot coffee from her favorite mug while watching the birds and wildlife around her home. 

There was almost always a pot of Maxwell House ready, and anyone who stopped by knew they would be welcomed with a warm cup of coffee and good conversation. She had a gift for making her home feel inviting, from the beautiful flowers that graced her yard to the angels and owls she collected through the years. Phyllis also enjoyed going to garage sales, browsing craft shows, and creating beautiful handmade pieces of her own, including jewelry, delicate doilies, crocheted afghans and baby blankets.

Above all, Phyllis treasured time with her family. Visits from her children and grandchildren filled her heart, and her grandchildren meant the world to her. She was deeply proud of her family and carried them always in her thoughts and prayers. One of Phyllis’ nieces wrote the following tribute:

“Sad news touched our hearts this morning, thankful you are at peace, gives way to comfort in our hearts.

“I close my eyes thinking of you, feeling so blessed. When I need you most, you embraced me and comforted my heart, giving me the strength through difficult times. The reflection of many memories you graced our lives with, times shared, cookouts, campfires, stargazing, garage sales, walks in the woods, Halloween trails, fireworks, and good conversation, just to mention a few, never to be forgotten.

“Like a good movie, you are the star – the strength, your love, and kindness as a wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, a special friend, and the list goes on. The beauty of life never to be forgotten; always sharing your heart.

“One of your favorite times, the breaking of a new day; a fresh brewed cup of coffee in hand you found peace, a treasured moment sitting out on the deck. Music fills the air, singing of birds, wildflowers dancing in the breeze, as nature blesses your day, never taken for granted.

“This movie of your life will never grow old. We will continue to gather and replay the memories shared of your love with each and everyone one of us, laughing, crying, and most all – celebrating …you!”

“Forever in our Hearts.”

Loved and respected by those who knew her best, Phyllis leaves behind a legacy of kindness, warmth, and devotion. She will be dearly missed by her family, her friends, and, surely, the Maxwell House Coffee Company. She is survived by her children, Jeff Gaudette (Marsha Palazzolo) of Onaway, Valerie (Jeremy) Adair of Onaway and Vanessa Gaudette of Gaylord; her grandchildren, Katie Adair (Cam Place) of Bay City and Nick Adair of Rogers City; her sister, Lee Ann Ayotte of Onaway; and her nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; and her parents, Warren “Ted” and Jean Skinner.

Visitation and funeral service were held at Chagnon Funeral Home Tuesday, August 11, with the Rev. Josh Ferraiuolo officiating. Phyllis was laid to rest beside her husband at Elmwood Cemetery in Onaway. Those planning an expression of sympathy are encouraged to consider a donation in Phyllis’s memory to the Cheboygan County Humane Society or the Cheboygan County Area Council on Aging Meals on Wheels program.