Obituaries

Betty “Jeannie” Jean (McCall) Edelman, age 66, of St. Ignace, Michigan, died at Mackinac Straits Health System on April 16, 2023. She was born in St. Ignace on December 17, 1956, to James “Bud” Edwin and Evelynn Ann (Montray) McCall.

Jeannie grew up in St. Ignace and attended St. Ignace Area Schools. She worked as a cook and bartender for several years at numerous local establishments. At a New Years Eve party in 1979, she met Wyatt Wayne Edelman while he was stationed at St. Ignace with the United States Coast Guard. They moved west together and were married on August 1, 1981, in Burney, California. Wyatt finished his service with the Coast Guard before they moved back to St. Ignace in 1989, with their two children, Michael and Brandi. Jeannie then worked as a cook for The Galley restaurant for over twenty five years. Jeannie and Wyatt eventually found themselves headed west again, this time to settle in Oregon for several years before returning to live in St. Ignace on a permanent basis in 2010.

Jeannie loved being in the kitchen. She was a gifted decorator of cakes and pastries and loved to make delicious meals large enough to feed her immediate and extended family, as well as every friend and neighbor she could convince to come in and take a plate. She was always making food for the VFW, the Moose Lodge, and celebratory events, and there were very few local charitable events or bake sales that didn’t benefit from her baking expertise. She enjoyed babysitting and especially spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be long remembered for her charity, compassion, and willingness to help out any soul in need, without judgment.

Jeannie is survived by her husband, Wyatt Edelman; sons, Michael (Dani) Edelman of Kinross, Michigan, and Joshua Edelman of St. Ignace; daughter, Brandi (Andy) Paquin of St. Ignace; grandchildren, Jacob (Bhaily) McNeely, Jade Edelman, Stephanie (Cody Davis) Belonga, Kenny (Zoey) Belonga, Summer Edelman, and Josh Edelman; great grandchildren, Caelum, Hayden, Hudson, Riverlyn, and Lakely; sisters, Sharon Closs of St. Ignace, Joni (Andy) Johnson of St. Ignace, Barbara Schalow of Baltimore, Maryland, and Diane (Jeff) Cavner of Camby, Oregon; brothers, Kenny Brown of Mackinac Island, Michigan, and Jim (Deb) McCall of St. Ignace; sisters-in-law, Nancy Edelman and Holly (Mike) Sanders; brothers-in-law, Frank Edelman and Scott (Warren) Yeates; and parents-in-law, Chris and Christopher Yeates and Wayne Edelman; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family who adored her.

Jeannie was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Evelynn; mother-in-law, Jane Edelman; infant brother-in-law, Shane Edelman; brother-in-law Donald Closs; and sister-in-law, Jill Edelman.

A celebration of life will be held on May 20, 2023, at the VFW Hall in St. Ignace.

Final Resting Place will be at Wequayoc Cemetery in Hessel, Michigan.

Galer Dodson Funeral Home of St. Ignace, Michigan, is serving the family. Condolences may be left to the family at www.galerfuneralhomes.com.