Lona Mae Despins

Lona Mae Despins, 78, Superior resident, died Friday, October 25, 2013 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Duluth unexpectedly from complications following heart surgery.

She was born on December 5, 1934 in Escanaba, MI to John and Florence (Posenke) McGinnis.

Lona graduated from high school in Escanaba, MI.

She married Thomas Despins on April 23, 1954 in Iron Mountain, MI and celebrated fifty-nine years of marriage.

She was a homemaker and formerly was a lab tech at the former Superior Memorial Hospital.

Lona was a member of Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church and enjoyed volunteering her time there. She enjoyed crocheting, traveling, shopping, gardening and cooking. She loved spending time with her family and friends especially her grandchildren.

Lona is survived by her husband, Thomas; two daughters, Jean (Tim) Braman, Superior, WI and Ellen (Herb Bergson) Despins, Madison, WI; one son, Joseph (Janet Goldblatt) Despins, Wilmington, DE; six grandchildren, Rachel, Rebecca and Daniel Despins, James Conner, and Latif and Leila Tanner; three great-grandchildren, Diego, Mateo and Ainsley and Lona’s former grandson-in-law, Pete Trujillo, Colorado Springs, CO and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, two granddaughters Kelly Trujillo and Erin Conner, her brother Vern McGinnis and sister-in-law Marilyn McGinnis.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, November 6, 2013 at Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church, 1111 Belknap Street, Superior and continue until the 11:00 AM Memorial Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci as celebrant.

Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Superior.

Lona’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be recognized as honorary pallbearers.

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