Obituary of Irene Petroskey

Age 79, died on the evening of Monday, April 11 at her home in Bellaire, MI, lovingly attended by her husband and family. Irene was born on October 9, 1936 in Flint, MI, daughter of the late Leo N. and Anna M. (Barczynski) Brancheau. She attended St. Matthew's School in Flint, graduating in 1954. She attended Marygrove College in Detroit, studying fashion and interior design. She met her husband, Lonne Petroskey, also of Flint, through the Flint Catholic singles' organization, The Tobi Club. Irene and Lonne were wed at St. Matthew's Church on October 13, 1962, and they were happily married for nearly 54 years. She is survived her husband, Lonne, and her three children; Ann-Mary Petroskey (wife Suzanne R. Lallier), Lawrence L. "Lar" Petroskey (husband Steven G. Colombe), and Jennifer L. "Jenna" Petroskey; grandson Jaylen M. Lallier-Petroskey, as well as siblings Louise Zaucha (Bert), Cecilia Satkowiak (Philip), Theresa Satkowiak (Isidore), John Brancheau (Terry), Al Brancheau (Delores), and Ed Brancheau (Faye); and many beloved nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Irene was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Anna, sisters Ellen Michalik (John) and Anna Hertz (Bill), and brothers Leo Brancheau (Ruby) and Levi Brancheau. Irene worked as a customer service representative for Michigan Bell from the mid-1950s until 1966, when she left the company to concentrate on raising her young family. In 1977, Lonne, Irene, and their children moved to Lapeer, MI, where Irene worked as a bookkeeper for Imlay City Oil Company, 3D Department Store, and as the office manager/receptionist for RLM Industries until her retirement in 2002. At that time, Irene and Lonne moved north to construct their retirement home on a scenic hillside on the Cedar River in Bellaire, Michigan. When Irene was younger, she was an avid downhill skier, and played on ladies' golf and bowling leagues. In the latter part of her life Irene loved going to casinos, watching the birds outside her home, and traveling to see her children. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 AM on Saturday, April 16, 2016, at St. Matthew's Roman Catholic Church, 706 Beach St., Flint, MI, Father Ronald Sheible, O.S.A. (Retired) officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00-8:00 PM on Friday, April 15, 2016, at the Martin Funeral Home, 1194 E. Mt. Morris Road, Mount Morris, MI. A Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 PM on Friday evening at the funeral home. Visitation from 10:00 AM until Mass begins on Saturday at the church. Contributions in her name may be made to the American Red Cross.