Noreen Martha Gondre's Obituary
Howard City - Noreen M. Gondre, 90, of Howard City, passed away Thursday, December 29, 2022, at her residence.
She was born March 12, 1932, in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Marks and Bridget (Whalen) Spedoski, and grew up near Stanwood. In 1950, Noreen graduated from Big Rapids High School.
In 1953, Noreen married Reynold "Bud" Gondre, and the couple lived in Lakeview for several years before moving to Howard City. In her younger years she babysat for numerous neighborhood children. For many years, Noreen was in charge of maintenance and groundskeeping at Christ the King Catholic Church, where she was also a longtime active member.
Noreen loved music, playing in her band at many area functions, as well as being accompanist for numerous weddings and funerals. She enjoyed being outdoors, and played softball until she retired at the age of 74 to take up golf! Noreen formerly coached girls' softball, and regularly attended local sporting events. Later in life she travelled and took extensive hiking trips.
Noreen's husband Bud preceded her in death on December 18, 1990. She is survived by two daughters, Kathy (John) Goodin of Newaygo, Jan (Wally) Drach of Morley; one son Mike of Howard City; 4 granddaughters, Melanie (Robert) Billings, Nori Drach, Taryn (Levi) Daimler, and Addie (David Vallem) Drach; 6 great-grandchildren, Cam Goodin, Zach and Maci Billings, and Harrason, Oakley, and Rhodes Daimler; 2 sisters-in-law, Leona and Marianne Spedoski, and many nieces and nephews. Noreen was also preceded in death by her son Marks and several siblings.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Thursday, January 12, 2023, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Howard City, with Father Phil Witkowski as Celebrant. Burial will follow in the Reynolds Township Cemetery in Howard City. Noreen's family will greet friends at the church from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11, with a Rosary Service beginning at 7:30. Memorial contributions in her name may be made for Spectrum Health Hospice. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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