Betty Ann Bourque

Betty Ann Bourque, 79, longtime Superior, WI resident, died Monday, December 30, 2024 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN. She was born February 13, 1945, the daughter of Clarence N. and Katherine E. (Petrini) Holmes in Virginia, MN.

Betty grew up in and attended schools in Parkville and Mountain Iron, MN. She graduated from Mountain Iron High School, class of 1963. She attended Virginia Junior College for two years and completed her schooling at University of Minnesota-Duluth earning a bachelor's degree in Home Economics. She taught Home Economics in the Mountain Iron school system, which is where she met the love of her life, Briand Bourque, a young gentleman from Canada completing his student teaching there. They married on July 26, 1969. The newlyweds taught together in Hoffman, MN then moved to Park Falls, WI. Betty then changed her career from teaching to full time mom and homemaker when their first son Paul was born in 1973. Another move brought the family of three to Superior in 1975 where they remained, and David was born in 1977.

Betty was a member of St. Patrick Parish in Billings Park and was part of the Altar Society before a fire resulted in the deconsecration of the church. She then became a member of Cathedral of Christ the King.

A devoted mom and wife, she spent many hours as Den Mother to Cub Scout Pack 227. She loved to cook for her family and the presentation had to be just right. Their cabin in Britt, MN was the most special place to her where she enjoyed planting flowers, viewing the sunrise over the lake, and tending a large vegetable garden until a troublesome groundhog moved in a couple years ago. Her love showed in her dedication to her family. When Briand developed ALS in 1998, she was his caregiver before his passing in 2005. Her grandchildren brightened her day and were the “vitamins” for her energy. She cared for all three grandchildren in her home where she utilized her teaching skills to transform everyday moments into hands-on educational experiences. She was a wonderful grandmother over the 20 years, creating many memories for them. Betty will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Betty is survived by her sons, Paul (Becky) Bourque, Poplar, WI and David Bourque, San Clemente, CA; grandchildren, Andrew, Noah, and Libby Bourque; brother, James Holmes, Buhl, MN; sister-in-law, Jeanne Holmes, Britt, MN; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Briand; infant sons, James and John Bourque; brother, Ernest Holmes; and infant sister, Patricia Holmes.

Visitation for Betty will begin 10:00 AM, Monday, January 6, 2025, at Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church, 1111 Belknap Street in Superior, and will continue until the 11:00 AM Memorial Mass of Christian Burial concelebrated by Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci and Rev. Fr. Dan Tracy. A private burial will take place in Virginia, MN at a later date.

Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue in Superior is assisting the family with arrangements.  To leave a condolence or sign the guestbook, please visit www.downs-lesage.com.