Ann L Rocheleau

Ann Rocheleau joined her beloved husband Mel into the loving arms of God at age 87 in Venice, FL on July 30.Ann was born to Clarence "Kelly" and Helen LaPorte on Jan. 6, 1938 in Cheboygan, MI. She graduated from Cheboygan High School in 1956 and was also voted "Best Dressed." Known for her style and eye for glamor, Ann lived everyday like she was getting ready to be on the cover of a fashion magazine but still found time to share her love and trademark wit with her family and friends.She married Melvin "Mel" Rocheleau in January 1958 and worked in women's clothing before going into banking. Ann retired in December 1997 and moved to Rotonda West, FL, though she and Mel hopped back-and-forth between spots in Michigan, including Traverse City and Black Lake. She was also an avid cook, with a particular penchant for baking, and was often seen with a good book.Ann did not hesitate to help those around her and was completely unafraid to speak her mind. She spent years as an election official and was a precinct chairperson in 1984. She was the type of Democrat who never gave up an opportunity to vote. She sat in at a student protest in Mt. Pleasant, MI when the students took the ROTC Building over during the Vietnam War. She was very proud to support this activism.

As a young mom she was not a camper, per se, but she went trailer camping to many state parks in Michigan, creating many wonderful family memories. Ann was also an annual volunteer for the Traverse Film Festival and traveled to two World's Fairs, one in Belgium and the other in Montreal.Ann is survived by children Chris (Janet) Rocheleau, Mt. Pleasant, MI; Jo Rocheleau, Englewood, FL; Michael Rocheleau (Camille Garber), Traverse City, MI; Paul (Sue) Rocheleau, Mt. Pleasant, MI; grandsons Kelly (Emily) Rocheleau, Auburn, NY and Andy Rocheleau, Mt. Pleasant, MI and several nieces. She is predeceased by Mel, her husband of nearly 60 years; parents Clarence "Kelly" and Helen LaPorte; brother Frederick (Nancy) and Jo's husband Roen Tharp. A memorial will be held at 11 a.m. Wed., Aug. 27 at Englewood Community Funeral Home, 3070 S. McCall Road, Englewood, FL, with calling hours at 10 a.m. A luncheon will be held afterwards at Artur's Restaurant, 70 N. Indiana Ave., Englewood, FL.

  A service will also be held at 11 a.m. Sat., Sept. 6 at St. Mary University Parish of Mt. Pleasant, 1405 S. Washington St., Mt. Pleasant, MI. Friends may visit at the church from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service. An additional service will be held at Black Lake at a date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Alzheimer's Association https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/what-is-alzheimers