Ella J. Bilodeau

Ella “Jean” Bilodeau, age 98, died peacefully on April 6, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born to Carl and Mary (Smith) Porter on November 10, 1926, Jean attended Samaria Grade School and graduated from Dundee High School. Her parents owned a grocery store, so she spent her youth working there until she married Reuben I. Bueche.

Although Jean was raised in Samaria, Michigan she created opportunities to live in other cities throughout her life. Her first big move was to Fort Lauderdale, Florida where she began raising a family in a tight-knit neighborhood. She lived the big city life in Chicago while finding peace around water in Sarasota, Florida and on Lake LeAnn in Michigan. While living in Sarasota, Florida she was a long time resident of Pelican Cove. Each of these places held fond memories for Jean and her family.

Over the years, Jean put on a variety of different hats. Her work ethic shone through the many jobs she had.She was an actuary, a nurse cadet, a dental assistant and other jobs that provided for her family.

Besides work, Jean had other interests in her life that kept her busy. Jean was a member of Gulf Gate Golf Club in Sarasota, Florida. As an avid golfer, she received many awards while hitting a hole in 1 more than once! Another interest Jean had was becoming the family historian. Together with her two sisters, Sue and Pat, they would explore places their family had come from. Over the years, they compiled an intricate family tree dating back to the 1600s.

Not only was Jean sweet on the inside but she loved to indulge in sweet treats. She loved homemade chocolate chip cookies, maple Persian donuts and chocolate ice cream. Breakfast Sundays with Grandma always included something sweet.

Because she loved sweet treats, Jean was very active. She enjoyed walking around Swan Creek and taking in the nature that surrounded her. It was always exciting to see deer, wild turkeys and swans. No matter rain or shine, she knew exactly how far a mile was and would walk daily.

Many described her as small but she was independently fierce and mighty. That fierceness was shown through her love of her family. She was close to all of her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She spent many hours helping them learn to read while “playing school”.

Her strength, generosity and fierce independence, along with so much more, will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her son, Reuben A. (Jane) Bueche; grandchildren, Beth A. (Derick) Oyler, Ben (Brad Jayne) Bueche; great-grandchildren, Alexis (DonTaveon) Witcher, Bailey Oyler, Derick Oyler Jr.; and great-great-grandchildren, DonTaveon Witcher Jr., DonZaveon Witcher, and DaPree Witcher.

Jean was preceded by her parents; her husbands, Reuben I. Bueche, Bertrand Bilodeau; siblings, Patricia Gargoshian, James Porter, Carol Sue Moon; and Uncle George Smith.

A visitation will be held at Ohio Living Swan Creek, 5916 Cresthaven Ln., on Thursday, April 10, 2025, from 10 am – 11 am, with a memorial service beginning at 11 am. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to Ohio Living Hospice in Jean’s honor.