Barbara Ellen (Chilson) Hubbard

Barbara Ellen Hubbard, aged 94, left for her last cruise on September 26, 2023.  She was born December 21, 1928 to Charles and Bertha Chilson of Grand Marais, Michigan.  Mom graduated valedictorian of her class, and as such, received free tuition to Ferris State College, where she met a handsome WWII vet, John Hubbard, and married him shortly after.  Five years later they started a family and had 4 children, Dee, Jack, Scott, and Jamie.  She became interested in civic work in Marquette, joined Jaycette's, volunteered for the March of Dimes, was on the planning committee for the current Marquette Senior High School, and became a popular cub scout den mother.  Mom served as Worthy Matron for the Marquette Masonic Order of the Eastern Star.  She was the first woman member of the Downtown Development Authority, and a charter member of Zonta. Her twice monthly bridge club nights were filled with laughter, and her friends became our second mothers.  As a business owner, she owned the Lighthouse Christian Bookstore for 18 years, and then spent another 20 years as the second generation owner of the Dunes Motel, built by her parents in Grand Marais. The motel was a seasonal business allowing Dad and Mom to spend many years as snowbirds, with a winter place in Clearwater, which she always credited with "adding 10 good years to my life." Mom was a competitive shuffleboard player and attained pro-amateur status, competing all over Florida. She maintained involvement throughout her life in the Community of Christ Church.

Barb was predeceased by her husband John, brother Scott Chilson, and sons Jack and Scott.  Surviving are daughters Dee Hubbard and Jamie(Rod) Mick, daughters-in-law Aleta and Kenlyn, 9 grandchildren-Sarah(Corey) LaBelle, Luke(Laura) Hubbard, Logger(Kylene Abram) Hubbard, Katherine (Jared) Khatibi Gogek, Kristie and Lilli Khatibi, Charlie(Brenna) Hubbard, Ken(Jess) Hubbard, and Michael(Emily Gilmer) Hubbard: 6 great grandchilren-Arya and Asher Labelle, Luke Jr,, Emma, and Wyatt Hubbard, and Harley Hubbard.

Barb's funeral will be conducted at the Grand Marais Methodist Church Sunday October 1, 2023 by Rev. Devin Lawrence, with viewing 2-3pm, service at 3pm which will include participation by fellow members of The Order of the Eastern Star and Daughters of the American Revolution.  Following the church service, Barb’s burial will be at the Rose Hill Cemetery in Grand Marais. There will be fellowship following the burial at the community center.

Barb’s family would like to thank the staff at both Mill Creek Assisted Living and Superior Home Health and Hospice for the loving care their mother and grandmother received.