Obituaries

Viola Mae Paquin, age 94, of St. Ignace, Michigan, died on April 25, 2025, at her home. She was born on April 17, 1931, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Thomas and Esther O’Connor.

Viola grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and graduated from Sault High School. She attended Cosmetology School and earned a degree in cosmetology. She moved to St. Ignace and began working as a beautician. Viola met Bernard Eugene Paquin at a local dance and they married on February 18, 1951, in St Ignace. They started their family and became business owners. Over the years they owned and operated motels, beauty shops, properties, restaurants, and had twelve children whom she loved dearly. Viola never retired, she continued to do hair in her kitchen and volunteer with the Special Olympics.

Viola was a member of the St Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church and was Assistant Area Director, coach, and volunteer for the Special Olympics area 35.

Viola enjoyed gardening, canning, going to the casino, and baking her favorite cinnamon rolls, pies, pasties, and her amazing bread. Above all she loved her family and her faith.

Viola is survived by her husband, Bernard; children, Thomas (Treasa) Paquin of St. Ignace, Brenda (Ron) Nelson of Escanaba, Michigan, Michael (Janet) Paquin of St. Ignace, Kenneth (Mary) Paquin of Minnesota, Geraldine (Darrin) Brow of St. Ignace, Catherine (William) Bauman of Manistique, Michigan, Kevin (Regina) Paquin of St. Ignace and Christina Paquin of St. Ignace; eighty grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Viola was preceded in death by her children, Daniel Paquin, Denise Paquin, Angela Paquin, Phyllis (Carl) Huffman; grandson, BJ Huffman; great-grandson, Sam Paquin; four siblings; and parents, Thomas and Esther.

A Memorial Gathering will be held Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at St. Ignatius Loyola Church, 120 Church St. St. Ignace, MI 49781. Memorial Mass will follow at 1:00 PM. and Luncheon to follow.

Violas’ final resting place will be St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials Contributions may be made to St. Ignatius Loyola Church, 120 Church St., St. Ignace, MI 49781 or EUP Area 35 Special Olympics, 305 W 19th St., Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.