Photo courtesy of Canale Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Marquette
Marquette, Michigan
Dec 30, 1936 – Feb 26, 2017 (Age 80)
Barbara Rae Letts died Sunday afternoon, February 26th 2017 in her home surrounded by her family and under the care of U.P. Home Health and Hospice. She was born on December 30, 1936 in Marquette to the late Howard and Florence "Flo" (Westberg) Bolduc. Barbara lived a long and happy life. Along with her husband John, she raised five children and was grandmother to seven more. She taught those around her many lessons, including how to never act your age, always celebrate if you have a chance, and go ahead and drink one more glass of wine even if you think it might be a bad idea. She spent her happiest days with her family and friends, and was at her best when she managed to corral as many of her kids, grandkids, and other loved ones as she could together for a party. When she wasn't doing that, she spent her time planning out how to fix all the problems of the world with her three sisters. Barbara was a fighter. She beat polio when she was eight years old, had more than her share of tragedies in her life, and survived over five years with ovarian cancer. She is survived by her husband, John; four children, Mike (Jayne) Letts of Negaunee, Larry (Elizabeth) Letts of Marquette, Scott (Terry) Letts of Marquette, and Barbra (Doug) Walton of Marquette; grandchildren, Jonathan, Abby, Stefan, Gabby, Chelsea, Scott, and Tina; siblings, Duane (Mary) Bolduc of Gwinn, Bonnie (Dan) Payette of Green Bay, WI, Dale (Tami) Bolduc and Bobbi (Darrel) Sleeman both of Sun City, AZ, and Beth (Chester) Williams of Sandusky, OH; also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding her in death besides her parents was a daughter, Becky in 1983. A funeral service will be held on Thursday at 2 p.m. in the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home with the Rev. Msgr. Michael Steber officiating. The Letts family will greet relatives and friends from 12 noon until the time of the service. A luncheon will take place in the funeral home immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Big Brothers and Big Sisters, 101 S. Pioneer Ave., Negaunee, MI 49866 or to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, 2119 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette, MI 49855 in Barb's memory. Barb's obituary can also be viewed at canalefuneral.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.
My sincere sympathy for the loss of Barb. She was a special lady, her sister Bobbi is my very best friend ever, and Barb was as special as Bobbi is. She was a tough lady and fought very hard in her battle with cancer. She will be missed and I pray for John and her entire family to help heal from this tragic loss.
Terry Holly
March 02, 2017
Dear Letts Family,
Extending to your family this heartfelt assurance of deep sympathy.
Our condolences,
The Marquette Area Public Schools Board of Education and Employees
MAPS
March 02, 2017
To the Letts family: My thoughts and prayers go out to you. What I most admired about Barb, (Do I call her that?) is her patience and positivity. As kids, we tested the neighborhood parents through occaisional mis-steps, and I could never figure out how she managed to keep her cool and stay so positive at times that so many others would not have. What a testament to the kind of person she was. I was so happy to see her when we occasionally ran into one another. What great times in the old...
Tedd Luoma
March 02, 2017
Our mom, Connie, was a longtime friend of Barb's and a member of their unofficial club, The Jolly Five. I didnt know Barb well when I was younger but got to know her better in recent years through my mom. She was always fun, full of laughter, loved wine like I did, and was ready to give you a hug. She was a good friend to my mother and I thank her for that. She is and always will be a special lady. My condolences to her family and friends - she will be missed by everyone whose lives she...
Penny Boyer
March 01, 2017
To John and family: Barb was a tough and wonderful person. She will really be missed.
Larry Bergwall
March 01, 2017
Barbara was a member of "The Jolly Five" , a group that my mom , Connie Boyer, was always proud to say she was a part of. Condolences to all of the family, another sweet lady gone too soon. The Boyer Family
Rose Talaga
February 28, 2017
To John and family, We are so sorry to hear of Barb's passing. She sure was a strong person and also one to have a lot of fun. She was always fun to be around. We enjoyed many camp parties up in the Harlow Lake area. We send our deepest sympathies to all the family.
Jim & Sharon Petrella
February 28, 2017
