Ann Maas
We are saddened by the passing of our dear friend Ann Maas, 85, of Port Huron. Ann was a dedicated educator, passionate supporter of the arts, and community causes. Ann touched countless lives with her kindness, energy, and creativity.
Upon retirement, she put her considerable energy to work for those causes that were near and dear. She was an active member of the Friends of the St. Clair Library and ran two successful county-wide mileage campaigns for the library. She was an avid supporter of the International Symphony, first on their auxiliary and then on their board. She ran several successful campaigns for judge candidates in the county. Ann was active with the League of Women’s Voters, the American Association of University Women, and several book clubs. She wrote to the editor of the Port Huron Times Herald often, eventually becoming a popular community columnist for several years.
Ann cherished time with her family, whether traveling, at the beach, or creating art. She leaves behind her children, Stephen Hockley (Kathy Campbell) and Susan Smith; grandchildren Nathan and Annalee Smith; sister Bonnie Boyle (Ted Bachman); brother James White; and nephews Geoff (Tina Tvrdik) Etzel and Ben Etzel. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Lena White, and her husband, William H. Maas.
Gifts in Ann’s memory may be made to the Community Foundation of St. Clair County.
William (Bill) Oldford Sr.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our dear friend and community leader, William (Bill) Gordon Oldford Sr., who passed away on June 19, 2025, at the age of 96. Bill was a pillar of the Lexington community—generous, thoughtful, and endlessly dedicated to his family, church, and neighbors.
Born in Detroit in 1929 and a graduate of Lexington High School, Bill proudly carried his Newfoundland roots and a strong work ethic throughout his life. He helped grow Huron Inc. into a major local employer, served on numerous boards including the school board and Lexington Village Board, and built both the Windjammer and Oldford’s Marina. He was a master mason, a committed Boy Scout leader, and an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church.
Bill’s greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his daughter Kathleen Oldford-Johansen (Gwen Varney), son William Oldford Jr. (AnnMarie), and son-in-law William Edwards, along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Stephen and Clara Oldford, wives Marylou and Phyllis, daughters Barbara and BettyLou, son-in-law Dana Johansen, brother Eugene Oldford, and in-laws Fred and Christine Baska, and Charles and Rosemary Dazer.
In honor of his memory, gifts can be made to the SC4 Stephen E. and Clara B. Oldford Scholarship through the Community Foundation of St. Clair County.
Marie Hosie
We are saddened by the loss of Marie Hosie, 97, of St. Clair, passed away on June 1, 2025. She married Robert Hosie on September 2, 1950. They shared 58 years of marriage before his passing in 2009.
Marie worked as a secretary for General Motors before raising her family. Later, she fulfilled her dream of being a journalist with a freelance writing role for the Fenton Independent and served as a clerk for Fenton Township. She was also secretary for Mundy Presbyterian Church and a longtime member of the Linden Masonic and Eastern Star.
A devoted wife and mother, Marie cherished family, faith, and education. She loved dancing, traveling with Bob, and reading—especially her Flint Journal newspaper. Marie is survived by three children, Pam (Jim) Petitpren, Kathleen Cunningham and Brian Hosie; four grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Boardwalk Theatre Operating Fund.
Dave O’Connor Jr.
Our hearts are heavy as we remember our dear friend and former board member, David Patrick O’Connor Jr., who passed away recently.
A proud U.S. Marine, devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, caring stepfather, cherished uncle, and respected member of the Port Huron community, Dave lived a full and meaningful life grounded in family, faith, hard work, and service. After his military service, he held a variety of jobs across the country before returning to Port Huron, where he built a successful banking career that spanned more than 30 years. Known for his unwavering integrity and strong work ethic, Dave earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike.
Dave was deeply committed to his community, generously sharing his time and talents through service on numerous local boards and volunteering with various civic and charitable organizations. At the Community Foundation, he first served on the Board in 1990 and went on to serve a total of 20 years. Dave also lent his expertise to both the Finance and Investment Committee as well as the Audit Committee for the Foundation. His dedication, leadership, and kind spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Memorial gifts can be made to the Dementia & Alzheimer’s Association of St. Clair County.
Denise Brooks
The Community Foundation is heartbroken by the loss of Denise Brooks, a long-time friend of the foundation and former board member. Denise was a strong supporter of our work and led our local YMCA through tough times to be able to thrive. She also provided leadership and guidance to many local nonprofits over the years.
A lifelong resident of the Port Huron area, Denise dedicated her career to organizations that serve others. She worked for the American Cancer Society and Port Huron Hospital, where she led the Hospital Foundation. She later served as President and CEO of the YMCA of the Blue Water Area, retiring in 2020 after more than 11 years.
Denise gave generously of her time and talents across numerous community organizations. Denise was a board member of the Community Foundation, the St. Clair County Library Board, and St. Clair County Community College. She was elected to the Port Huron Area School District Board of Education in 2016 and served for six years. She also held leadership roles with the United States Power Squadron and was involved with the Friends of the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse and the creation of Sandfest.
She brought the same passion to her personal life, whether cheering for Michigan State, cruising the Great Lakes with her husband David, or tending her garden. In recognition, the YMCA named its Mindfulness Garden in her honor—a place for reflection and peace, just like Denise herself.
Denise’s wisdom, grace, and strength will be deeply missed by all who knew her. We extend our heartfelt condolences to David, her family, and the countless friends and colleagues whose lives she enriched.
To honor her memory, memorial gifts may be made to the Blue Water Area YMCA or the Fort Gratiot Light Station Fund here at the Community Foundation.
Debra “Debbie” Ann Langell
We’re saddened by the passing of our dear friend Debra “Debbie” Ann Langell who passed away on April 12, 2025.
Debbie dedicated many years of service as Secretary of the Marine City Scholarship Foundation Endowment, helping support the educational dreams of local students. She found joy in birdwatching, photography, gardening, crafting, cooking, and baking—hobbies that reflected her creative and nurturing spirit.
Debbie survived by her daughter Lisa Langel and son-in-law Mason Mullally, her sister – Sandra Gramer and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Marine City Scholarship Foundation Endowment.
David L. Simpson
We are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend, David Lloyd Simpson.
Dave’s greatest love was his wife and soulmate, Laura, whom he married on July 24, 2015. Together, they shared a life of adventure, laughter, and unwavering support. Dave’s next great passion was for the performing arts.
His passion for theater began in his youth, earning him the nickname “Saint Dave” in high school. He pursued this love at Oakland University, earning a degree in Theatre Production and Design. As manager of the East China Performing Arts Center since its opening in 2004, “PAC Man” dedicated over 21 years to shaping productions and mentoring more than 1,500 students. His expertise in sound, lighting, and stage design made every performance exceptional, but his true legacy lies in the countless lives he touched.
Dave’s expertise in sound and light made him highly sought after for recording sessions, concert tours, and professional advice. Dave even won two Grammy awards and toured with many internationally-known artists. Believing in the need to serve, Dave served on Marine City’s planning and city commission and chaired countless other boards for the community and the school district. Dave was also one of the founding members of the Marine City Music Festival. All of his service showed his commitment to giving back to others.
Those that worked with Dave knew that he cared most about the students and their growth over building a perfect set. Accordingly, the family has asked that memorial gifts can be made to the Community Foundation of St. Clair County to help positively impact the performing arts community Dave loved.