Obituaries

Jill Nanette Eitrem was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She passed away at the Ball Hospice House in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, on October 13, 2025. Jill was born in Sault Ste. Marie, on February 14, 1963, to Maurice and Dolly (Jones) Coullard where she joined four older siblings who adored her.

Jill graduated from Sault Area High School with the Class of 1981. Jill’s first marriage was to Joseph Beseau in 1983, and she began what she considered her most important work, being a mom. Her sons were the light of her life and brought her so much pride, joy, and laughter. When the grandbabies came, she adored each and every one of them. While raising her sons, she ran a daycare, treasuring each child in her home. On May 29, 1999, Jill married her best friend, Derick Eitrem. In 2004, she earned a massage therapist certification and enjoyed serving others by helping to manage their stress and pain.

Jill was creative and artistic. She enjoyed quilting and took great pride in improving her home for the comfort of others so she could host large family gatherings. She also loved to cook, whether it was large breakfasts for her family, cookies to share with friends, or fruit-filled smoothies for her grandchildren. She also loved dogs and usually had several.

Jill is survived by her sons; Matthew Sturgul of Nekoosa, Wisconsin, Joshua (Jessica) Beseau of Doyline, Louisiana, Jeremy (Erin) Eitrem, Joseph (Ashley) Eitrem, Jacob (Jessica) Eitrem, and Dylan Eitrem, all of Sault Ste. Marie; stepdaughter, Ariana Eitrem, of Clinton Township, Michigan; siblings, Maria Coullard, Michele (Coullard) Walker, Collette Coullard, Jon (Anna) Coullard all of the Sault Ste. Marie, and Roger Coullard of Bay Mills, Michigan; sister-in-law, Renee (Cameron) Eitrem; mother-in-law, Dorothy Eitrem of Sault Ste. Marie; twelve grandchildren; one great-grandchild; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Jill was preceded in death by her husband, Derick Eitrem in June of 2024; parents, Maurice and Dolly Coullard; father-in-law, Joseph Eitrem; brother-in-law, Kevin Walker; brother-in-law Steven (Sharon “Jodi”) Eitrem; and her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and niece, Angela Coullard.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the First Church of Christ, 300 W Spruce St, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.

Memorial Contributions may be given in honor of Jill to Hospice of the EUP, 308 W. 12th Ave., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.