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Merilee Mae (Chartier) Blowers

MARQUETTE — Merilee Mae (Chartier) Blowers, of Marquette, and formerly of Manistique, entered into eternal life on Nov. 29, 2018 at the age of 58 years.

Beloved wife of Calvin, devoted mother of Ryan (Sayaka), Merissa Blowers Briere (George), Jamison (Ashley) and Holly. Cherished grandmother of Van, Ashton, Alessio, Gianna and Axel. Loving daughter to Mary J Chartier-Irish and preceded in death by her father Wilbur “Webb” Chartier. Further survived by her sister Diane (Bill), brothers Donny and Rocky (Mary) and countless nieces and nephews, along with many other family and friends.

Merilee was born on July 11, 1960 in Manistique to Wilbur and Mary (Bongi) Chartier.

Merilee started out in the recycling industry at Manistique Papers, as a co-op student at the age of 17. In 2004 Merilee finished earning her BA in business and accounting with honors at Lake Superior State University. In 2007 Merilee joined Sonoco Paper Mills. She oversaw procurement of fiber for both the Menasha and DePere paper mills. Merilee was instrumental with developing a recycling program with the State Prison System in Michigan with installing balers for recycling corrugated boxes. Merilee was a pillar in the industry and loved by many and will be truly missed.

Merilee had a magnetizing personality that drew people to her. She had a laugh and smile that was infectious to all around. It was easy being a part of her life, because she loved everyone unconditionally, and would help everyone and anyone she could. She will be missed and never forgotten.

The Blowers family would like to thank the Sandra J. Schulze Hope Lodge, Rochester, Minn., for their unconditional support and love to the family. In addition, they want to thank the Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice in Marquette, and their angels that loved and cared for Merilee and her family these past weeks. No words can express how wonderful you comforted Merilee and the family during this time.

Visitation will be held on Monday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 330 Oak St., Manistique, MI 49854. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12 p.m. with a luncheon to immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Mayo Clinic Hope Lodge in Rochester, Minn., or Lake Superior Life Care & Hospice in Marquette (www.lakesuperiorhospice.org). Flowers are welcome and can be ordered through Cook’s Holiday Helpers Florist (906)-341-6362 in Manistique.

The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the Blowers family where memories of Marilee may be shared at canalefuneral.com