Jill Margaret Champagne

Jill M. Champagne, 65, of Elkton, passed away Tuesday, September 5, 2023 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Sanilac County.

Jill was born November 16, 1957 in Cass City to Vernon Beachy and the late Dorothy June Kilbourn.  In 1975 Jill graduated from Laker High School.  She attended Central Michigan University receiving a Bachelor’s Degree and then received her Master’s Degree from Michigan State University in Social Work.  She married John Champagne on October 20, 1979 at the Elkton United Methodist Church.  Together they lived in the funeral home in Elkton and there she raised her family.

Jill retired in 2023 as a school social worker from the Huron County Intermediate School District having worked in nearly every school in Huron County throughout her career.  Prior to working for the ISD, she worked in Community Mental Health as a social worker.  After retiring she brought her experience to Change of Seasons Hospice working with hospice patients and families. She was an active member of Pigeon River Mennonite Church, Century Oaks Golf Course, and a counselor at Bay Shore Camp.  She enjoyed traveling, quilting, and volunteer work.  She was an excellent marksman, either in pool or with a rifle.  Jill was a legendary baker and all were welcome at her table.

Jill is survived by her husband John; sons John Bennett of Redford, Alex (Brittany) of Redford, Jack of Portage, Mitchell (Sarah) Champagne of Elkton and Jake Stanton of Bay Port; grandchildren Ashlynn Rose, Walter, Evan, Brady, and Hunter; father Vernon Beachy; brothers Benny (Laura) Beachy of Bay Port, Lenny (Linda) Beachy of Hendersonville, TN and Kenny Beachy of Caro; and sister-in-law Denise Beachy.  She was preceded in death by her mother Dorothy,  infant sister Jennifer, brother Bradley Beachy, and sister-in-law Jill Beachy.

Funeral services will be 11:00am Monday, September 11 at the Pigeon River Mennonite Church with Rev. David Maurer officiating.  Burial will be in St. Felix Catholic Cemetery, Pinnebog.

Visitation will be Noon to 7:00pm Sunday at the Champagne Funeral Chapel in Pigeon.

Memorials may be made to the Pigeon River Mennonite Church.