Mary A. Derouin, age 93 of Escanaba, passed away peacefully at Emmons Assisted Living on Sunday, December 8th, 2024. Mary was born on November 21, 1931, in Escanaba, the daughter of Grey and Isabel (Brown) Knaus. Mary lived in Escanaba and attended Escanaba High School. On February 11, 1950 Mary was united in marriage to Richard Derouin. They shared many wonderful years until his passing in 2004.
Mary was employed with Shopko for 23 years as the bookkeeper and was proud she was the first employee hired there. Mary was very active within her church, St. Stephens Episcopal Church, and was a part of the Women’s Guild. She was also a 4-H leader as well as a part of the Cornell Senior Center. In Mary’s free time, she enjoyed camping, doing crafts and crossword puzzles. Her greatest joy was going to her grandchildren’s activities. She will be truly missed.
Mary is survived by her children Wanda Frossard and Mike Derouin; daughter-in-law Karen Derouin; son-in-law Don Timler; grandchildren Kylee (Brandon) Owens, Taylor (Stephanie) Frossard, Brett (Clarissa Groleau) Frossard, Alexia (Tyler) Krause, Kevin (Tracy) Frossard, Jason (Pam) Frossard, Amanda Derouin, Tonia (Todd) Henderson, Jessica (Shane) Branam, Tricia (Dave) Tryan, Jeff (Rachel) Timler, Tim (Angela) Timler, Jacob (Alesha) Timler, and Tyler (Ashley) Timler; great-grandchildren Bella Owens, Lachlan Owens, Lyla Owens, Aruna Frossard, James Jason “JJ” Krause, Gavin Michael Tryan, Cooper Henderson, Saylor Henderson, Carter Tryan, Spencer, Leo, Hunter (Madison) and their son Levi, Evie, Quintin, Grace, Charlie, Edward, Betty, Adeline, Grant, and Owen Timler; as well several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents Grey and Isabel (Brown) Knaus; parents-in-law Alec and Hilma Derouin; husband Richard Derouin; daughter Sallie Timler; sons Ron (Jill) Derouin and Richard “Cook” Derouin; sister Helen (James) Katschke; brother John Knaus; grandson Jimmy Frossard; and son-in-law Jim Frossard.
The family would like to extend a thank you to Gayle and the rest of the staff at Emmons Assisted Living for the wonderful care they took of their mother/grandmother during her stay there.
Family will receive friends on Saturday, December 14, 2024 at the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba from 12 noon to 2 PM. Services honoring Mary will begin at 2 PM with Bishop Rayford Ray officiating. Mary will be laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery next to her husband.
Tim Timler - Slidell, LA
Grandma,
Thank you for the big things that I can remember, and for all the little things that I can’t. You are at the heart of many of my fondest childhood memories: learning to ride my first 2-wheel bike at Shakey Lakes, making pudgy pies and fry bread over a campfire at Pentoga Park, the anticipation of Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, Jeff and I riding our bikes down to your house to raid cookies from your bread box…It was truly a blessing having you so close, for so long.
Now that you’ve gone into your eternal life, I have an even greater appreciation for your strength and humor, and for the warmth, generosity and kindness you showed to me your entire life. You were the best of role models, not just for your grandchildren, but for all of your great-grandchildren as well. We’ll all miss you down here.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. / From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.” – 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Tracy Branz - Gladstone, MI
To the Derouin family: We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Maryann. Dick and Maryann were friends with my parents and they went on many snowmobile rides together with the neighborhood group of friends. Oh, the fun they had! She will be remembered fondly as are Dick and their kids who passed too soon.
Gary and Tracy Couchene Branz
Mary (Timler) Lewis - Crown Point, IN
Mary was a wonderful, loving, caring, accepting person! I never heard her say a negative thing. She loved her family, and they all loved and respected her. She’s now with all her loved ones that have gone before her. Rest in peace, Mrs. Derouin.
Lindsey Mitchell - Gladstone, MI
It was truly an honor caring for Mary the short time that I did. I will remember her forever, she will always hold a place in my heart. my condolences go out to all of her family & friends. She will be so missed.
Dan and Kathy Creten - Escanaba, MI
Dan and I send our condolences across the miles. We were fortunate to know Mary as a member of St. Stephen’s and throughout the years. We are thinking of you all during this difficult time.