Mary Brazeau

Mary was born on May 11, 1942, in Iron Mountain, to R. Barrett and Irene (Harju) Miller. She was a 1960 graduate of Iron Mountain High School and went on to study elementary education at Lakeland College and Northern Michigan University.

She married Ronald (“Tex”) Brazeau on May 22, 1965, at American Martyrs Church in Kingsford, and together built a loving home in Niagara, where they worked and raised their five daughters.

Mary had a warm and generous spirit, a quick wit, and an infectious laugh. She was an accomplished homemaker, especially enjoying cooking and baking for her family.

She was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church and enjoyed the time she spent with her loved ones. Mary often said that her greatest accomplishment was her family, and nothing made her happier than being surrounded by them.

Mary is survived by her five daughters: Debbie (Lyle) Smithson of Crystal Falls; Denise (Scott) Sexton of Niagara; Michelle (Donald “Poncho”) Rugg of Niagara; Rhonda Paupore of Niagara; and Kristina Brazeau (Jim Malone) of Kingsford. She was a grandmother to 14 grandchildren: Marcus (Lauren) Smithson, Michael (Caity) Smithson, Brett Smithson, Bryce Smithson, Hannah (Josef Janness) Waugen, Morgan Waugen, Hailee Waugen, Anthony Paupore, Andrew Paupore, Kendra Nora, Nic Nora, Sophia Malone, Max Malone and Erika Malone and a great-grandmother to Allette Smithson. She is also survived by her sister, Elsa Brule, and one sister-in-law, Marjorie Favia as well as many nieces and nephews.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Tex, and her sister, Eugenie Becker.

Per her wishes, private family services will be held at a later date.

Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Mary’s family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com.

The family has chosen Jacobs Funeral Home-Niagara Chapel of Niagara, to honor Mary’s legacy of life.