It is with great sadness that we announce our forever loved Mama, Ma, Mummy, G-Ma and Granny Grunt walked into the loving arms of her beloved Lord and Savior on September 2, 2024, at the age of 78. Leean Lorraine (Trbovich) Oberle was born on October 10, 1945, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Daniel and Rita (Gabriel) Trbovich.
Leean was raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, moving back to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, when she married her soul mate and love of her life of 36 years, Lawrence F. Oberle Jr. on May 28, 1982. Together Leean and Larry combined their families and added one more. Our mother had many roles in life, but the one closest to her heart was that of grandmother, she “rocked it” as she was often told. Her love for her grandchildren and their love for her knew no bounds. Leean began her work life as a ten-year-old in her family store, M. Trbovich & Sons in the west end of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. After high school, she began a career as an administrative assistant working for the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Great Lakes Power and The United States Army Corps of Engineers. In retirement, she enjoyed the many friends she made working part-time at JC Penney and H&R Block.
Our mother had a deep faith that carried her through life. Her favorite quote was, “God will never give you a cross you cannot bear.” She bared many crosses, especially this last year, yet she smiled, kept her amazing sense of humor, and showed a strength and grace that was a testament to her faith and love for God.
Anyone who called or visited during hockey season knew that she loved her Detroit Red Wings. We all knew better than to interrupt this sacred time! During her lifetime she rescued, loved and fattened up many dogs, and we know they were all there to meet her at the Rainbow Bridge. She left behind two pups, her protector Kiki, and her little man Einstein, don’t worry Mummy we will take care of them.
Leean is survived by her sons, Daniel (Lisa) Seppala of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, David (Debbie) Seppala of Batchewana, Ontario, Canada; her baby, Robert (Amanda) Oberle of Syracuse, Utah; her only daughter, Mary-Elizabeth Seppala; and her bonus sons, John (Marlene) Oberle and Craig Oberle of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; her much-loved grandbabies, T.J. Hurley, Jessica (Ali) Boucher, Danielle Boucher, David-Michael (Emily) Seppala, Sage Stoppa, Danika (Ruben) Seppala, Taryn (Mac) Seppala, Maleigha Seppala, Coralee Seppala, Kiah Seppala, her sweet baby, Claire Oberle; bonus grandchildren, Elaine and Tommy-John Oberle; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Gracie, Evren and coming soon, Lawrence James (L.J.) Seppala and Leena Seppala-Plascencia; brother, Bill (Carolynne) Trbovich of Ontario, Canada, her “little sizzler” Patricia (John) Worgan of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; brothers-in-law, Ken (Pam) Oberle, David (Jean) Oberle, Mark Oberle; sister-in-law, Joanne (Jim) Collins; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews; lifelong best friend, Lynda Decker of Florida; and her very special cousins, Peggy Casey, Pam Stanaway, and Diane Sipniewski.
Leean was preceded in death by her great love, husband, Larry Oberle; parents, Daniel and Rita Trbovich; brother, Robert Trbovich; in-laws, Lawrence and Rose (Sauro) Oberle Sr.; very special cousin, Tommy Stevens; and several beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday October 11, 2024, from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM, in the Mary Room with a Memorial Mass to follow at St. Mary’s Pro-Cathedral, 377 Maple St, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, with Father Al Mott officiating.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions can be made in honor of Leean to the two places close to her heart, The Chippewa County Animal Shelter, 3660 S Mackinac Trail, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783, and St. Mary’s Catholic Elementary School, 360 Maple St, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.
This past year was difficult for our mother, but she was sent angels on earth. No words can express the gratitude and love that she had for them, McClaren Hospice nurses, Shayna, Carrie, Karen and Tina. The care that these women gave our mother was truly heaven sent. Carol Smart, her bonus daughter, and her children, you gave her comfort, laughter and blueberry cake, thank you is not enough. UP Tire and the late Charlie Brown, for allowing her grandsons David-Michael and Sage, to always be there for their grandmother, no matter what, it will not be forgotten.
Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
Obituary as submitted by family.
