Betty LaVigne

Betty was born on June 11, 1944 in Escanaba, daughter of John and Yvonne (Beauchamp) Gallagher. She attended Holy Name High School and graduated in 1962.

On July 25, 1964 Betty married Wally Nye at St. Patrick’s Church and their marriage was blessed with two children, Tammy and Jerry Nye. Wally preceded her in death on December 16, 1983.

Betty was united in marriage on August 14, 1987 to James LaVigne at St. Thomas Church in Escanaba. They were able to share over 37 years together before his passing in 2025.

Betty began working at Marco’s in 1962 then transitioned to The House of Ludington from 1973 until 1983. She then began a career at Elmer’s County Market in the bakery department for 32 years until her retirement in 2007. She continued to work one day a year, on Paczki Tuesday. The Dagenais family was very special to her.

She had a deep faith and appreciated going to church and Adoration. Betty was devoted member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Bark River.

Betty enjoyed working on puzzles, shopping, baking, and had a great love for all of her grandchildren, never missing a game or event. Getting pampered and having her hair done was always something she loved as well.

Among survivors are her children, Tammy (Rob) Jensen, Scott (Sara) LaVigne, Rhonda (Jason) Heikinen; grandchildren, Stacy (Steven) Jensen, Courtney (Jake) Bowden, Mackenzie (Quinton) McCarthy, Morgan (James) Pepin, Alex LaVigne, Cassidy LaVigne, Maggie LaVigne, Annaliese LaVigne, David (Alex) McLeod, Jimmy Veker, and Diana Veker; 11 great grandchildren; sisters, Patricia Johnson and Mary Mayers; brother-in-law, John Calouette; several nieces and nephews; and special Godchild, Dan Johnson.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Wally Nye, and second husband, James Lavige; son, Jerry Nye; sister, Joan Calouette; brothers-in-law, Dennis Johnson, Warren Nye, and Art Mayers.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at the Crawford Funeral Chapel, 1236 Old Hwy 2 & 41, Bark River from 12:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 3 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church with Rev. Vinnoy Thomas Panthilapadam officiating. A meal will be served in the parish hall following the mass.

Burial will take place at Gardens of Rest Cemetery.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to OSF Hospice and her caregivers, Su, Robin, Madison, and Sarah for the excellent care they provided to Betty and her family. Messages of condolence can be directed to the family at www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.