Elizabeth (Betty Lou) Tourangeau, age 90, of Gladstone passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at Christian Park Village in Escanaba surrounded by her family.
Betty Lou was born February 26, 1933 in Escanaba, the daughter of Francis and Mary (Urich) Massard. She was raised in Escanaba and graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School.
Betty Lou was a very active member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Flat Rock. She served as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, Liturgy Chairman, Parish Council, Cantor, Choir Member, Catechism Teacher, helped with the youth choir, and brought Communion to shut-ins. She also worked for the Diocese of Catholic Women. She was Co-Chairman for Community Affairs, through which she was able to meet and speak with Mother Theresa. At the end of the conversation, Mother Theresa gave her a hug and Betty Lou always thought to herself, “Wow, I have hugged a Saint!”. Betty Lou’s faith carried her through many good times and bad.
Betty Lou was on the Board of Review for Escanaba Township for over 35 years as well as on the Election Board. She was Chairman of St. Vincent de Paul Christmas baskets for the needy for 40 years and loved making people happy. She enjoyed playing cards at The Gladstone Senior Center along with cribbage and Yahtzee COMPETITVELY with family, which was her favorite pastime. She worked at Flat Rock School and later was a manager in Home Party Sales for many years, helped cater weddings, and loved to bake, cook, and make homemade bread to give to family and friends.
Betty Lou is survived by her son, Robert (Lori) Tourangeau; daughter, Mary Rose Bougie; grandchildren, Jenny (Tom) Broeders, Pat (Nancy) Bougie, Frank Tourangeau, Alison Tourangeau, Dr. RaeAnn (Jon) Tourangeau-Young; great-grandchildren, Ethan, Bethany, Erika, Robert, Alexis, Logan, and Peyton; sister, Rose Mary Nevala; brother-in-law, Roger (Betty) Tourangeau; sisters-in-law, Lorraine Tourangeau and Beverly Tourangeau and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Tourangeau, her parents; brother, Clarence Massard; son-in-law, Rich Bougie and grandchildren, Eric and Bobby Tourangeau.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 23 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba. A Prayer Service will follow at 7:00. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, August 24 at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church in Escanaba with Fr. Sebastian Chacko officiating. Burial will be in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery and a luncheon will follow in the parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Family Catholic Church, St. Vincent de Paul Society, or UPHP Hospice.
Jim Tourangeau - Rochester, NY
Aunt Betty Lou was like a 2nd mother to me and she was the most loving person I know! I am honored to be her nephew and may you Rest In Peace Aunty Betty Lou. Thank you for teaching my wife Norma how to make Rolly Polly. We will be making them every year during the holidays in honor of you! Thank you for EVERYTHING. We love you! Love, Jim, Norma, Calvin, Sam and Tim Tourangeau
Sharon Futterer - West Allis, Wi
Eternal rest grant unto her oh, Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her may she rest in peace, Amen. I will keep you in my prayers for the holy souls.