Jean Ann Brondyke, age 77, of Newberry, Michigan, died on February 11, 2024, at her home surrounded by family. She was born on May 5, 1946, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to John Henry and Jean Francis (Palmer) Skinner.
Jean grew up in McMillian, MI, where the Skinner family owned and operated the “Skinner General Store” and the “Cobblestone Bar and Grill.” Jean attended grade school at McMillian School and graduated in 1964, from Newberry Tahquamenon Area Schools in Newberry. After graduation Jean moved to Kalamazoo Michigan to live with her brother John and to seek employment. She worked at Gilmor’s Department Store Ice Cream Parlor and then at the Industrial State Bank Computer Center as a control clerk where she met Edward Brondyke. They married on February 12, 1966, in Kalamazoo, at the Simpson Methodist Church. In October of 1968, Ed and Jean moved to Germfask, Michigan, very near to Jean’s hometown. Jean began working at Falls Building Center in Newberry and Ed worked for the Newberry State Bank. They had their son (John) on December 6, 1970. The couple then moved to Newberry in 1972 and had their daughter (Kimberly) on October 8th, 1973. Jean and Ed lived on McMillian Avenue until 2015 and then they settled at “Watson’s Hill” on Dollarville Road.
Jean was involved in many organizations and founding member and bord member of the Luce County Pet Pals; Luce County Link Youth Center board member, vice president, fund raising volunteer; Tahquamenon Area Senior Citizens Store, board member, vice president, sales; Newberry Elks Club Auxiliary, volunteer Kid’s Christmas Party.
Jean enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom raising their two children. She also had a heart for all animals. She enjoyed gardening with one of her favorites being the African Violets. Jean had a wide variety of interests in camping, canoeing, walking the Lake Superior shoreline collecting rocks, driving in the North Country, snowmobiling, reading, home renovations, sewing and crafts.
Jean loved the following poem and would like everyone to feel this when thinking of her.
“Miss Me, But let Me Go,”
When I Come to the end of the day And the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom-filled room. Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little, but not too long. And not with your head bowed low. Remember the love we once shared – Miss me but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take, And each must go alone. It’s all a part of the maker’s plan, A step on road to Home. When you are lonely and sick at heart, Go to the friends we know. And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds – Miss me, but let me go. (Author unknown.)
Jean is survived by her husband, Edward Brondyke; son, John (Christine) Brondyke of Howell, Michigan; daughter, Kimberly (Steven) Johnson of Galien, Michigan; grandchildren, Jacob, Steven and Kyle Brondyke, and Henry and Neil Johnson.
Celebration of Life will be held at a later date with family.
Family Life Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
