N. Jane Potvin

MARQUETTE, Mich. - N. Jane Potvin, age 94, of Marquette, passed away Wednesday evening, June 29, 2022, at Brookridge Heights in the loving, comforting care of her family and U.P. Home Health and Hospice.

Jane was born June 30, 1927, in Ironwood, a daughter of Richard and Eva (Willis) Dunbar, and graduated from the Bergland High School, in the class of 1945.

Following graduation, she was employed in several secretarial positions with the Bergland Community Schools, White Pine Lumber Company, Excello Corporation in Detroit, and lastly with Northern Michigan University for 25 years.

She married Fred Potvin on Sept. 2, 1947, in the Lutheran Chapel at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, while he was serving in the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. They moved to Marquette in 1952, where Fred was employed with the Duluth South Shore and Atlantic Railroad and the Soo Line Railroad. Jane was a charter and active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marquette, serving on various boards, including Mite chairman, Altar Guild, serving committee and Vacation Bible School for 28 years. Additionally, Jane volunteered at Marquette General Hospital, Beacon House and for Habitat for Humanity in Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.

Jane is survived by her three daughters, Mary Jane Sischo, Sheila (Michael) Maki and Karen (Russell) Heathman; three grandsons, Preston (Jill) Maki, Colin (Erin) Heathman and Fritz (Corey) Heathman; seven great-grandchildren, Leighton (serving with the U.S. Navy), Gavin and Henry Heathman of Appleton, Wisconsin, Carter and Claire Heathman of St. Anna, Wisconsin, Callie and Charli Maki of Marquette; brother-in-law, Donald (JoAnn) Potvin; sister-in-law, Carole Poole; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Jane was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, in 2006; and by a son-in-law, Ray Sischo, in 2014.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Wednesday, July 6, beginning at 10 a.m. until the time of service at noon. Rev. Daniel Ondov will officiate. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall. Interment will be made in Park Cemetery in Marquette.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1700 W. Fair Ave., Marquette, MI 49855; U.P. Home Health and Hospice, 1125 W. Ridge St., Marquette, MI 49855; or to a charity of the donor's choice.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the caregivers at Brookridge Heights Assisted Living Facility and U.P. Home Health and Hospice for their compassionate and professional care, and for the many kindnesses they extended to the family. Your attention and dedication certainly added to the quality of Jane's life, for which we are all grateful.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.