Jean A. DeJarlais

Jean DeJarlais, age 92, long time resident of Harrisville, passed away January 20, 2021 at Jamieson Nursing Home in Harrisville. Jean Averyl LaForge was born May 19, 1928 in Curran, the youngest of 9 children born to Bert and Carrie (Pattee) LaForge. She attended Curran school, then graduated from Fairview School in 1946. She worked with a Michigan Children’s Fund Dentist for two years in West Branch, Mio, Harrisville and East Tawas before working for the Health Department testing vision and hearing in Oscoda and Alcona Schools. She married Ladd DeJarlias (the local milk distributor) in December 1951. Their three children were born in the 50s when she was also a PTA president. She served as the United Methodist Women president and treasurer, Harrisville Lady Lions president and treasurer and for 22 years was the Harrisville Methodist Church treasurer. Jean worked in the Harrisville Elementary School office for several years and part-time at the Friend of the Court office. She was also active in the Red Cross and enjoyed attending many school functions. After the milk business, she and Ladd owned Kerby Lanes bowling alley for 16 years and enjoyed bowling. Jean also took quite a few bus trips around the country as well as a trip to Hawaii and a Caribbean cruise. She enjoyed dinner and cards at the Lincoln Senior Center, golf, euchre, cheering for her Detroit Tigers, Lions, and Red Wings, and loved spending time with her precious grandchildren. Jean is survived by two daughters, Ava (Perry) Budreau of Lincoln, and Denise (Wayne) Lee of Oscoda, five grandchildren, Andy (Dawn) Budreau of Harrisville, Bryan Budreau of Orlando FL, Logan DeJarlais of Harrisville, Daren (Jessie Barkely) Lee of Harrisville, and Haley (Mike) Nielsen of Lincoln. She was also blessed with five great grandchildren, Isla, Makayla and Colt Budreau of Orlando, FL, James W. Lee of Harrisville, and Sonny Bo Nielson of Lincoln. She also has many treasured nieces and nephews. Jean was preceded in death by her husband Ladd, their only son Bradley DeJarlais, and all of her siblings. Due to COVID restrictions cremation arrangements have been made, and there will be a memorial celebration of Jean’s life at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Harrisville United Methodist Church. Arrangements were made through Gillies Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jean A. DeJarlais, please visit our flower store.