June Grace MacArthur

October 25, 1912 - June 6, 2012

June Grace MacArthur, Hillman’s Haven resident, Hillman, MI passed away peacefully on June 6, at the age of 99 years 6 months. She was born Oct. 25, 1912 in Long Rapids, the daughter of James R. Caroline E. (Reynolds) Brown. She spent her entire life in the Long Rapids/Alpena/Hillman area.  She married George Alexander MacArthur May 25, 1935.  He preceded her in death in 1991. Also preceding her in death were siblings:  infant brother James, a brother Norman (Bud) Brown, sisters Mona Aure and Lillian Gokel, twin sister Jean Genevieve MacArthur and special brother in law, David John MacArthur.

A son David James MacArthur & wife Charlene of Naples, FL and daughter Judy MacArthur Nichols and husband Mike of Eaton Rapids, MI, survive her.  Surviving grandchildren and their families include Jamie B. MacArthur and husband Peter Radecki, Chicago; David J. MacArthur II and wife Lee, Surprise, AZ; Colin B. MacArthur and wife Paula, Wilmington, DE; James B. Nichols and wife Shaunna, Battle Creek, MI; Lindsay Nichols Foster and husband Marc, Saginaw, TX.  Great-grandchildren include David James III (James), Sean and Piper MacArthur; Samantha Grace and Alec MacArthur; Michael and Margaret (Maggie) Nichols and their mother Mary of SC; MacArthur (Mac), Mary Grace and Theodore (Teddy) Foster.  Also surviving are nieces Virginia Losinski, Betty Jean Reed, Joyce Bartz, Pat MacArthur, Margaret Langoni, Gloria Lumsden and nephews Gary Brown and James Brown as well as a host of special cousins, great nieces and nephews.

June was a stay-at-home mother raising their children until 1956 when she began substitute teaching.  Ultimately, she fulfilled her childhood dream of going to college and she graduated with a degree in education from Central Michigan University in 1968.  June was a retired first grade teacher in the Alpena School District and is remembered by many students who matriculated at the Long Rapids schools.  She was a life member of the Order of Eastern Star and the Rebecca Lodge where she served as a state officer.  She was also a life member of the Alpena First United Methodist Church where she also served as a trustee and youth mentor.  She and George traveled extensively in retirement visiting Florida, the western states, Canada, Hawaii and Scotland.  In 2005, she moved from her Alpena home to Hillman’s Haven Assisted Living Facility to be nearer her children and their summer homes on Lake Avalon.  The family expresses heartfelt thanks to the Haven and its wonderful staff for the loving care they provided June.  Additionally, the family appreciates the compassionate care provided by Hospice of Michigan for their services the past few months.

Visitation will take place at the First United Methodist Church in Alpena on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of the funeral service at 11 a.m. with The Rev. Gene Bacon officiating. The family is being served by the Bannan Funeral Home.

Interment: Long Rapids Cemetery

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan, First United Methodist Church, or Long Rapids Congregational Church.