Virginia “Gini” (Fecteau) Drouillard, a beloved warrior princess known for her fun-loving spirit and caring heart, peacefully passed away in her Zephyrhills, Florida home on Saturday, February 3rd, after a valiant fight with cancer. Her final moments were spent surrounded by the love of her family. Gini lived a life brimming with adventure, creativity, and deep affection for those around her. Whether she was discovering treasures in rocks and seashells, crafting beautiful creations, or cherishing moments with family and friends, Gini embraced life to the fullest. Arrangements were thoughtfully handled by Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes.
Born in Sheboygan, WI in August 1938 to Elmer and Agnes Fecteau, Gini’s early years shaped her into the remarkable woman she became. She graduated from Washington Highschool and then contributed her skills to Hamilton Manufacturing and Mirro Aluminum in Two Rivers, WI. Later in life, Gini discovered her passion for helping others and became a chemical dependency counselor. In this role, she dedicated her career to guiding countless individuals and families on their paths to recovery and well-being. Gini’s life journey took her through Pennsylvania, Iowa, and Louisiana before she found her cherished home in Cornucopia, WI. In each place, she built lasting friendships and touched the lives of many.
Travel was one of Gini’s great loves. Upon retirement, she embarked on a new chapter in Zephyrhills, Florida, where she met and married her husband, Gordon Drouillard. Together, Gini and Gordon embraced the snowbird lifestyle, joyfully splitting their time between the warmth of Florida winters and the serene summers along the shores of Lake Superior. Their beloved dogs were always part of their adventures, adding to the joy and companionship of their travels.
Beyond her professional life and travels, Gini was a woman of diverse and joyful hobbies. She had a passion for collecting nature’s treasures, enjoyed fishing, and loved the thrill of 4-wheeling. Driven by boundless creativity, Gini blossomed into a talented artist across various mediums. She often captured the beauty of nature and stunning photographs in her art. Always eager to learn and grow, her later years were filled with woodworking, painting, quilting, and cardmaking. Gini generously shared her artistic knowledge and passion with her grandchildren and her cherished art club, leaving a legacy of creativity and inspiration.
Gini’s warm spirit and loving presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. She is lovingly survived by her husband Gordon, her children Lisa Eid, Suzie (Cynthia) Klein, Sheryl Klein (Tyler), Robert (Kerry) Klein, Lori Klein, Art (Kristina) Jensen, Debbie (Dan) Peters, and Gordon’s daughter Diane (Chris) Ignazio. Her legacy continues through her 17 grandchildren: Joshua Franks, Robert J. Klein, Amanda Wiberg, Denise Bingham, Justin Klein, Kristin Andrews, Jake Eid, Kristine Klein, Michael Jensen, William Jensen, Jessica Jensen, Suzette Leitner, Adriaan ten-Hove, Jacob Bretting, Riley Bretting, Collin Bretting, and Sam Linhoff, as well as her 17 great-grandchildren: Caden, Landon, Kinley, Elaine, Everleigh, Jackson, North, Mason, Aria, TJ, Gianni, Jaiden, M’Kenzy, Sabastion, Brionna, Bella, and Peter. Gini is also survived by her brothers; John (Ann) Fecteau, Gary (Kay) Fecteau, Jim (Jodi) Fecteau, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The compassionate team at Klein & Stangel Funeral Home in Two Rivers provided exceptional care for Gini. She was respectfully laid to rest on February 16th at Knollwood Mausoleum in Manitowoc, WI. Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc, assisted the family with these arrangements, ensuring every detail honored Gini’s life. Online condolences and memories can be shared at www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com.
Her children warmly invite family and friends to celebrate Gini’s life at a ‘Celebration of Life’ event on May 4, 2024, from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm at Port Sandy Bay, 6421 County Rd O #2, Two Rivers, WI 54241. A visit to Knollwood Mausoleum will follow.
In remembrance of Gini’s giving nature, her family kindly requests that any donations be directed to a charity of your choosing.
May Gini’s vibrant spirit and the precious memories she created continue to live on in the hearts of everyone she touched.
