Marcelline Rose Poitra, age 91 of Dunseith, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025 at her home in Dunseith.  Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 10:00 am at the St. Michael's Catholic Church in Dunseith.  Her wake will begin at 8:00 am with a rosary at 9:00 am at the church.  Burial will be at the St. Mary's Catholic Church north of Dunseith.  There will be a time of lunch and fellowship at the Eagle Heart Cultural Center following the service.

Marcelline Poitra was born to Eli and Margaret DeCoteau on December 28, 1933.  She was raised in Belcourt, North Dakota, near St. Benedict's Catholic Church. Marcelline attended Fort Totten Indian Boarding School, during her early grade school years, before attending Chamberlain Indian Boarding School. She later obtained her GED and earned her 2-year degree in Early Childhood Education. Marcelline was a loving mother and proud grandmother whose life was defined by dedication to family. With a heart full of compassion and a home always open, she had been a guiding light through life's joys and challenges. Her legacy is one of love, resilience, and deep-rooted family values that continue to inspire everyone around her.

Marcelline married Darrel Poitra on June 16, 1952, and were the proud parents of 10 children, grandma to numerous grandchildren, and many great-great grandchildren. Many of whom were raised, in-part, by Grandma Marce. Together, Marcelline and Darrel made their home along the west coast, in Portland, OR, Skyline, OR, and Battleground, WA, before eventually settling down in Dunseith, ND. Friends and family often speak of Marcelline's unwavering hospitality. To know Marce was to know a person whose door was always open, whose table always had room for one more, and whose kitchen was never without something warm to share. After devoting so many years to her children, Marcelline decided to begin her working career at the San Haven State Hospital, until its closure in 1987. From there, she was hired by the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa as a CHR (community health representative). She spent many days transporting families in need of medical appointments. It was during this time; she met and cared for many people while building connections with the families in the area.

Marcelline is preceded in death by her parents, Eli and Margaret DeCoteau, husband, Darrel Paul Poitra, infant daughter, Elaine, and sons, Rodney, Timothy, and Darren.

She is survived by sons, Ronald (Betty) Poitra, Jesse Poitra, Jeffrey (Rita) Poitra, Glen (Deedra) Poitra, Darrel (Brenda) Poitra, and, her babygirl, Candace (Danny) Peltier.

Arrangements were with Nero Funeral Home in Bottineau.  Friends may sign the online register book at www.nerofuneralhome.net.