Marianne Joanne Poe, age 75, of Kipling passed away on Tuesday, July 9, 2019, peacefully in her sleep at home with her family by her side following a long courageous battle with breast cancer.
Marianne was born June 19, 1944 in Escanaba, the daughter of Wilbur and Lydia (Stock) Cowell. She was raised in Kipling and graduated from the Holy Name High School in 1962. She was united in marriage to Donald Poe on February 10, 1968 at All Saints Catholic Church. They celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary in 2018. She was a devoted member of All Saints Church for many years. She served in the choir, parish service commission, parish council and parish money counter. She was also co-chair for the parish funeral luncheon committee and the parish raffle and bazzar.
Marianne lead a full and active life which included numerous activities and organizations that she volunteered for. She served on the Ski Patrol starting in 1958 at the old Gladstone Ski Hill until she retired in 2015. She was also a ski instructor from 1962 to 2007. She was a 4-H Leader for 35 years teaching crafts, sewing and horse riding lessons. She taught kids to care for and ride horses at Poe’s Stable, Bayshore Farm. She also raised and showed horses in her teens with the 4-H Club from 1956 to 1962 then continued on as a member of the Silver Spur Saddle Club of Delta County for 55 years, showing all over the U.P. She was also the Superintendent of the Horse Department at the Upper Peninsula State Fair for many years.
Marianne enjoyed golfing, with memberships at the Gladstone Golf Club and Irish Oaks and was a member of RSVP, volunteering with seniors.
Marianne most recently was named Grand Marshall, along with her husband Donald. of the 2019 Fourth of July Parade in Gladstone.
Marianne is survived by her husband, Donald of Kipling, daughters, Joanne (Seth) Chouinard of Cornell, Dianne (Tom) LaChance of Perkins and Suzanne (Matt) Madsen of Kalamazoo, MI; son, David (Jessica) Poe of Perkins; grandchildren, Aubrey and Evan Chouinard, Trevor and Mason LaChance, Ethan and Emily Poe and Savannah, Jack and Olivia Madsen; brothers, Dan (Ute) Cowell of Arlington, TX, Richard (Kathy) Cowell of Norway and Dennis Cowell of Kipling; sister-in-law, Bonnie Cowell of Escanaba and numerous nieces and nephews and many special cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, an infant brother, Daniel Cowell and infant sisters, Marion and Dianne Cowell.
The family will receive friends on Monday, July 15 from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 5:00 PM at All Saints Catholic Church with Fr. Jamie Ziminski officiating. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall. Marianne will be laid to rest in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the Delta County Cancer Alliance, Friends of the Gladstone Library or All Saints Catholic Church
Cindi Shepeck (Gendron) - Escanaba, MI
Dave, Suzie, Joann, Dianne
My deepest sympathies going out to your entire family. I have very fond memories of your mom growing up. Prayers for her and your family at this difficult time.
Marilyn Albrecht - Gladstone, MI
So sorry for your loss.A wonderful person.My deepest sympathy for your entire family.
Yvonne Dunlap - ESCANABA, MI
My deepest sympathies to the Poe family. I am so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. May God be by your side during this time.
Randall P Parr - Rock, MI
I have always liked Marianne. She was one of those people who I could take an immediate liking to and found her to be pleasant company. Always cheerful which is a not-so-common virtue. Every time I saw her, she would smile in my direction and sometimes changed my own disposition. I am sad that I will no longer see in Don’s company.
Gayle - Bark river , Mi
Such a wonderful and kind lady. I will never forget her or any of the Poe family. She was one of a kind. Sending prayers to all!
Michelle Scarcelli - Perkins, MI
So very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Teresa Ettenhofer - Gladstone, MI
Thoughts and prayers to your family. Very sorry for your loss.
Paul Drysdale - Cadillac , MI
Sorry for your loss Poe Family. May you find comfort and support from each other and the good memories in the days to come.
Carolyn Wright (McKenzie) - Grand Rapids, MI
Our deepest sympathies and many prayers to your family from ours during this difficult time. Your Mom’s infectious smile will always live in many hearts.
Mary Madden=Malnor - Rapid River, MI
So very sorry for your loss , I remember Marianne on the old ski hill growing up, always there to make sure kids were skiing safe. Many blessings sent your way.
Judy vanlerberghe - Gladstone, Mi
So sorry for your loss, she was a special lady. Your families will be in my prayers! ❤️
Cindy Brock - Rapid River, MI
I was so happy to see Don and Marianne Poe as Grand Marshals in the July 4th Parade in Gladstone. She was a wonderful MSU Extension supporter and 4-H leader. So sorry for her family and close friends. May she now rest in peace.
mary alworden moore - rapid river, MI
dear poe family, my heart is breaking for all of you. i am so glad i was a part of your lives while growing up.you have such a great mom and wife. i will always have wonderful memories of that time i spent at your house. rest in peace marianne.
Doug Bovin - Round Lake, MI
Through grade school and high school, Marianne brought smiles and friendship. The Class of ’62 has loss a special classmate-a wonderful lady with personality plus! Prayers to the Poe Family and thanks for sharing Marianne with all of us.
Becky Eagle - Brampton , Mi
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for you all at this difficult time.
Todd Ziems - Morogoro, Tanzania, MI
Marianne Poe was a beautiful and elegant lady that taught so many of us (old) kids about life. Whether it was skiing, crafts, or horses. She was an example worth mimicking. I remember my father making me take ski lessons with Marianne after I received skis for my 5th birthday. Didn’t want to do it, but by the end of the lessons that year I knew I wanted to ski just like her. Still skiing and will always remember the elegance she brought to teaching so many kids.
My sympathy to the Poe family, she will be missed.
Sarah Aviles (Savoie) - Gladstone, MI
Hugs and love to the family and friends! Remember ski lessons, adoring her in parade with the horses. Loved singing with her in Church Choir. Beautiful woman ❤️ Strong woman♥️
Lynn and Harland Deneau - Gladstone, Mi
Joanne Seth and children we are so sorry for the passing of your mom it’s something you don’t really ever get over losing your mom she was a wonderful person sympathy to all of you.
Kathleen J. Boyer - Little Canada, MN
My sympathy to the Poe Family. I am Marianne’s second cousin. She was a remarkable woman… who worked hard and excelled in so many activities, enriching the lives of many, making this world a better place. RIP Marianne.
Dave and Jean Jondrow - Gladstone , Mi
Sorry for your loss-she will be missed. Taught so many how to ski-always had time to visit with us. Jean is having a back procedure done on Monday so will miss everything on Monday.we will be thinking of all of you and keep you in prayer.
Kathy & Pat Wyman - Gladstone, MI
Our deepest sympathies to all of you. Always a smile and time for a chat. Rest In Peace.
Sally A Johnson - Bark River, MI
Dianne, I am so sorry to hear that you have had to say goodbye for now to your Mom. You and all your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Hold on to your precious memories.
Linda and Dan - Cornell , Mi
To the Poe family: you were blessed with a wonderful mother! Always so hard to lose someone so dear to you! She watched over you in this life; and I believe she watches over you still!
God blessed all of you with so many beautiful memories!