Stone Funeral Home & Cremation services
Joyce "Ione" Brown, 88, of Alanson, Michigan died December 8, 2021 at Ascension Providence Hospital in Novi, Michigan, surrounded by her family. Ione, loving and dedicated mother to a family of six, was brought into this world on August 31, 1933 to Herbert and Lydia (Goerke) Brasseur of Indian River, Michigan.
Upon graduating from Indian River Schools, Ione began her working career in healthcare.
She held many positions over the years at Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey (now McLaren) including unit clerk, nurses aid in OB, dialysis, and mental health, until her retirement at the age of 62.
After retiring Ione returned to the hospital many times when her former colleagues called for assistance knowing she was always willing to help. Most times as a "sitter" for patients that needed companionship.
Because of her love for people, she continued this "sitting" on a private basis, caring for the elderly. (Although she was older than most). By doing so, she continued to receive the great joy and happiness one gets by helping others.
For some 25 years she and her husband Ralph enjoyed winters in Naples, FL. They moved back home to the Crooked River permanently in 2015.
Her home on the river was open to all. She was in her glory if friends and/or family were there. Words like "who cares",
"the more the merrier", and "good Lord" were heard often. Her daily phone calls with family and friends are already being missed and felt by all. To know her, was to love her. You simply could not.
Our mother, Ione, was one of the kindest and most forgiving persons to have walked this earth. We all feel so blessed to have had her as our mother, friend and mentor. She was a wonderful and loving mother who gave her all to her family. We will never be able to fill the space she left behind.
Throughout her entire life, she held an unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those who surrounded her.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph W. Brown and son John Rautio of Harbor Springs, Michigan.
She is survived by her children, James H. Rautio (Maria) of Key Largo, FL; Kathy Beckett (Errol) of Traverse City, MI; Joseph Rautio (Joanna) of Petoskey, MI;
Lauren Oxholm (Luis) of Medford, OR; Mary Domagalski (James) of Traverse City, MI.
In addition, Ione had 16 grandchildren and 10 great grand- children.
A Catholic funeral Mass celebrating her life will be held on Friday , December 17 1:30 p.m. at the Cross in the Woods, Catholic Shrine located at 7078 M-68 in Indian River, Michigan, with Fr Michael Fowler, OFM, (Her nephew) officiating.
A luncheon will follow at Fr. Donard Hall next to the Shrine.
The family wishes extend our thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of both McLaren Hospital in Petoskey and Ascension Providence of Novi for their excellent care and compassion.
Please consider a donation in Ione's name to Cross in the Woods Catholic Shrine, as this organization was important to her.
***Those wishing to honor her love of Christmas are
encouraged to wear Holiday attire.
The family is served by Stone Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Indian River
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