Jean Marie Ayotte, age 73, of Appleton, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Aspire Senior Living in Kimberly, following a lengthy battle with Dementia.  Jean was born in Marquette, MI on December 16, 1950, to the late Francis and Janet (Holm) Wentela.

She graduated with the class of 69 at Ishpeming High School.  Jean was united in marriage to Gary "Dewey" Ayotte on August 15, 1970, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ishpeming.  The couple enjoyed 54 years together.  After raising her four kids, she went to work for SECURA Insurance, where during 23 years she worked her way up to Executive Assistant to the President and CEO of the company.  While at SECURA, she oversaw their entire fleet of vehicles, all the artwork in the building, and all the charitable contributions given to the community on their behalf, among many other duties.

Jean enjoyed reading, shopping, spending time at the cabin in Mountain, and her annual trips to Door County – but most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren.

She will be missed by her husband Gary "Dewey" Ayotte, Appleton; daughter Kelly (Bruce) Butler, Appleton; 3 sons:  Lee (Tammy) Ayotte, Appleton, Wayne (fiancé April) Ayotte, Kaukauna, and Mark (Maggie) Ayotte, Menasha; 7 grandchildren:  Jada, Ethan, Ashton, Emily, Skylar, Kember, and Molly; and 2 sisters:  Judy (Al) Niemi, Marquette, MI and Peggy (Ray) Chapman, Ishpeming, MI.  She is further survived by her niece Melissa and nephew Jason.

She was preceded by her parents Francis and Janet Wentela.

A memorial service will take place at 7 pm on Wednesday, October 30th, at the Brettschneider Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel.  Friends may visit at the funeral chapel on Wednesday from 4 pm until 6:45 pm.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Aspire Senior Living for the compassionate care given to Jean.