Mary Lorraine Sauve

Mary "Lorraine" Sauve, 95, of Clarkston, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2024. Born in Bay City, Michigan, to Bryan and Genevieve David (née Welter), Lorraine was a cherished daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Lorraine graduated from St. James High School in Bay City in 1947, where her vibrant spirit and enthusiastic nature thrived. It was during this time that she met James Sauve, the love of her life. Their story began on one rainy evening when James picked up Lorraine and a friend for a movie. They decided to meet up again on Ash Wednesday, after they received their ashes they enjoyed a meal at Paul’s Diner, marking the start of a lifelong journey together. They were married on June 17, 1950, and shared a deep bond that endured through the years. James' military reactivation for the Korean War led them to Chicago, but their love and commitment saw them return to Kalamazoo, and eventually, settle in Oakland County. Lorraine's vibrant personality and zest for life were evident in all she did. She was actively involved in her community, contributing her time to the Lunch Mothers and Altar Cleaning at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Waterford. Her voice, whether in the choir or from the pews, was a standout at every service. Lorraine had an unquenchable love for music and dancing, she and James were beloved members of the Suburban Steppers dance club and spent many fun filled evenings with friends at the Elks Club. Her interests also included book club, sorority, and bowling league. Lorraine's enthusiasm for life extended to her love of parties and gatherings, where her presence was always felt. 

She is survived by her children: J. Bryan (Darlene) Sauve of Fenton, Jeannene (Greg) Kirchner of Lewiston, Lori (Dr. Yuan-Chao) Huang of Clarkston, Denise (Brian) Hodges of DeWitt, Joel (Susan) Sauve of Clarkston, and Alan (Nancy) Sauve of Fenton. Lorraine was a proud grandmother of 18, great-grandmother of 24, and great-great-grandmother of 6. She is also survived by her brother Donald (Suzanne) David of Bay City. Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband James Emile Sauve married 66 wonderful years; her parents; her infant daughters, twins Jeanne & Joan, and Anne; her sister Joan Rapp; and grandchildren Kyle Hodges and Stephen Huang. 

The family will receive guests on Thursday, August 8, 2024, from 4-7 PM at Coats Funeral Home – Clarkston with a Rosary at 6:30 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church (Dixie Hwy), with instate at 10 AM. Burial will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Our Lady of the Lakes or The Medical Team Hospice.

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