Michelle C (Brown) Barrette

Michelle Cecile Barrette passed peacefully during the early evening of July 5th.  She celebrated 81 years of life only a few weeks earlier, with her awesome girlfriends, who gave her one last party.  At the time of death, she was a resident of the Brook of Cheboygan, only a few miles away from her longtime family home on Townline Road.  Michelle’s end-of-life transition began in October 2024, only five months after losing her beloved husband Skeeter, when she suffered a series of strokes. Her funny, witty, caring, and outspoken personality slowly gave way to mental decline, fatigue, and social withdrawal.    

She was born Michelle Cecile Fox in Detroit on June 26th, 1944, to Marva Kephart and Maurice Fox.  The family moved to Onaway soon after.  After the death of her father in October of 1947, Marva married Junior Brown, who adopted Michelle and her siblings.  Michelle stayed in Onaway with her family until she married Skeeter (Gene) Barrette on December 29th, 1961.  They would go on to start a family, raise their children, Todd, Randy, and Gina, and live out their lives on Townline Road until 2019, when they moved into the Brook. 

She is survived by her sons, Todd (Darlene Lovell) of Mackinaw City and Randy (Rebecca Roach) of Morehead, Kentucky, and her daughter, Gina Eustice (Tony) of Cheboygan.  She leaves behind several grandchildren, Michael (Kristin), Heather (Ed), and Jason (Shaylee); William (Taylor) and Emma (Tyler); and Emerson and Nolan, as well as great-grandchildren Caden Barrette, Charlotte and Penelope Barrette, Nora and Beau Barrette.  She will be missed by her remaining siblings, Debra of Rogers City, Kevin of Onaway, and Kyle (Dianna) of Gaylord.  Michelle witnessed the passing of her parents, Maurice, Marva, and Junior, as well as siblings Marvin, Allen (twin), Kim, and Kurt, her beloved dogs Maggie and Lucy, and most notably her husband of 62 years, Skeeter. 

Michelle’s life is a testament to hard work, determination, and resilience.  She met her personal, physical, and situational challenges head-on, overcoming many obstacles that life threw her way.  A major portion of her life was spent caring for her husband, Skeeter, who suffered from physical and mental injuries for years after a tragic automobile accident in 1984.  Michelle faithfully helped Skeeter recover, in spite of her physical injuries and personal challenges.  Despite these issues, she and Skeeter carried on with their lives as best as possible, be it time on their boat, bowling, snowmobiling, visiting family, or playing cards at the casinos. 

From an early age, she was a worker. She spent many years in food service, beginning with helping her parents in Onaway with their dairy bar and grocery store.  She was a waitress from a young age, including many years serving customers the famous fried chicken and fish at Kenville’s in Mackinaw City.  For many years, she managed the financial accounts for the family businesses, Big Mac Auto Parts in Mackinaw City and Quality Auto Parts in Cheboygan.  She began her final career in municipal government in 1989 with the Circuit Court working for Judge Livo, then transferred to the County Clerk’s Office, and finally to the Housing Department. She retired in 2010.  

After retirement, Michelle took a much-deserved break. She loved her leisurely morning time, drinking coffee and reading the Daily Tribune and Detroit Free Press, with Lucy beside her.  She loved to buy new clothes, get dressed up, and go out for dinner and to the casinos. During times of good health, Michelle golfed and cross-country skied.  She was skilled at crafts, often gifting family members with Christmas and other holiday creations.  Most of all, Michelle loved to laugh and had a way to make others do so as well.  She was extremely proud of her family and was thrilled to share news of their numerous accomplishments.

The family expresses its sincerest gratitude to the amazing team at the Brook. Michelle was treated with kindness and loving care until her last breath.  We are also grateful for the team from CompassUS Hospice Services.  They supported Michelle throughout her journey, tending to her needs, ensuring she was comfortable and happy until her passing.

On Friday, the 8th of August, there will be a visitation at 10:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m., and then a light lunch at St. Thomas Lutheran Church (332 S Western Ave, Cheboygan).  Please consider a donation to the Cheboygan County Humane Society in honor of Michelle’s love of animals.

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