Barbara Jean Verrette

Barbara Jean Verrette passed away peacefully on July 27, 2020 with her family by her side. Barb was born January 24, 1932 at Swedish Covenant Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. She was the daughter of Jean Elise Hanna, and Daniel Bennett Sill, who passed away when she was an infant. Barbara and her brother, Dan, were loved and adopted by Jean’s 2nd husband Clifford M. Fugit. Barbara’s family moved often in her growing up years, which fostered an uncommon closeness with her brother, Dan. She attended several schools across the country, graduating from Iron Mountain High School in 1950. Barbara attended Michigan State University (Michigan Agricultural College) studying advertising, and returned to Iron Mountain to work with her father at A. Sackim Co. Department Store. Barbara was known for her beautiful calligraphy in everything from simple notes and letters, to advertising posters, and treasured family albums. Barb married James Curtis Verrette on June 2, l956 and together they lived life to the fullest for 64 wonderful years. They were known by many on their frequent lunches and dinners out as the ‘sweethearts’. Barbara will be remembered lovingly by family and friends for her sassy humor and quick wit, which delighted all until the very end. Barb was a wonderful cook and especially loved making every occasion, large and small, something special. Barb was a homemaker in the truest sense, and made their home a place all felt welcome and comfortable. Barb and Jim enjoyed the company of good friends and family, entertaining, and travel. They took wonderful excursions including Jamaica, Alaska, Hawaii, the Orient Express, and the Mediterranean, and spent many happy winters in Fort Myers, FL. She was a 3rd generation member of Drawing Room Club, bridge clubs and a mahjong group, as well as past member of The Chippewa Club, and Pine Grove Country Club. Barb and Jim and their group of dear friends had a “Supper Club” that was a fond part of their lives for more than fifty years. She is survived by her husband, Jim, and two children - Lisa (Dan) Wender of Iron Mountain, and Robert (Vickie) Verrette of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Barb also leaves three grandchildren – Jeanna (Bryan) Lienhard, Katherine (Matt) Dziewicki, and Mathew Verrette, five great-grandchildren – Emilia, Clive and Thatcher Lienhard, and Lydia and Theodore Dziewicki; two step-grandchildren, Neil Wender and Nick (Kim) Wender and a sister-in-law, Shirley Fugit. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Daniel S. Fugit. The family extends our most sincere thanks and appreciation to the dedicated staff at Evergreen Assisted Living and Manor Care for the kindness and warm care they gave Barb, especially during the recent difficult months. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial gift to the Dickinson County Hospital Foundation, c/o Barbara Verrette Memorial, 1721 S Stephenson Ave, Iron Mountain, MI 49801. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation and time of sharing from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm Friday, July 31, 2020 at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home. Burial will be in Cemetery Park. Condolences to the family of Barbara Verrette may be expressed on line at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com. The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home with the arrangements.

Barbara Jean Verrette

January 24, 1932 - July 27, 2020