Jeanne Marie Erickson

Jeanne M. Erickson, 84, a long-time resident of Duluth, Minn. and native of Concord, NH, passed away July 5, 2024 after a sudden illness.

 She was born September 20, 1939, the first of nine children of Roland “Pat” and Agnes (Rousse) Lachance of Concord, NH. She was a graduate of St. John’s High School Class of 1957 and received a bachelor's degree in education from Keene Teachers College in the Class of 1961. She was an elementary school teacher in New Hampton, NH.

 In 1963, she joined the newly-formed U.S. Peace Corps and served in Africa (Liberia, West Africa). Upon completion of her service, she earned a master's degree in public administration from the University of Minnesota. She joined the U.S. Social Security Administration as an administrator after graduation.

While on a ski trip in Jackson Hole, she met Dr. M. Harry Lease, Jr of Plainfield, Indiana. They married in 1968 and resided in Duluth where he was on faculty at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD). A lover of travel and cultures, Harry’s tenure brought their family, a daughter and son, to England as visiting faculty.

She was predeceased by her beloved Harry in 1999.

Always active in the community and an avid golfer, tennis player and card player, she met Dennis Erickson, a fellow widower, and they married in 2001. Jeanne and Dennis enjoyed life as empty nesters including many cruises and road trips in their recreation vehicle.

Jeanne is predeceased by her parents; her husband, Harry; and a sister, Elizabeth M. Lachance. She was survived and much loved by her husband, Dennis; her daughter and son, Deborah (Michu Barroso) Lease and Joshua Lease; and two grandchildren, Francesca and Martin Barroso; three step-children, Craig (Jane) Erickson, Todd Erickson, Debrah (Craig) LaBarre, MD and four step-grandchildren; seven siblings, Marie Lozeau, George (Frances) Lachance, Paul (Catherine) Lachance, Laura (Harold) Turner, Anne (Clark) Dumont, Thomas (Janice) Lachance, Joseph Lachance; and 13 nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at St. Benedict’s Church on July 19th in Duluth, Minnesota, with a reception to commence at 10am, followed by a Catholic Mass at 11am, and lunch following in the Church Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support the Jeanne and M. Harry Lease Jr. Award Fund at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. 

A livestream of Jeanne's service will be available on Dougherty's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/dfhduluth.