Dona Marie (Chevrette) (Weiland) LaPorte, age 88, of Escanaba, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, June 20, 2020 after a 5 year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family and extensive doll collection.
Dona was born on January 31, 1932, in Negaunee, MI, the daughter of Leonard and Dorothy (McCombie) Chevrette. She graduated from Negaunee High School in 1949 and then attended beauty school.
Dona raised 4 daughters during which time she began her life long love of art and collecting – dolls, bears, toys, trains, stamps, coins, etc. She was a Girl Scout Leader for many years sharing her love of drawing, sewing and crafts. She and her daughter Jude crafted dolls and taught doll making classes. She was always happy to give tours of her dolls to various groups of people in the community. Dona owned “Just Ask Gust Asp” for 8 years after which she bought “Jim’s Dari-Kreme.” She has been a daily part of the Dari for 41 years.
In the late 1970’s, Dona helped develop OSF Bay de Noc Hospice and was a dedicated volunteer for 40 years. She was also a volunteer in the OSF Hospital gift shop. She was on the board of the Delta Drop In Center, AA member, a Jaycette and on various other community boards. She was also a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church where she greatly enjoyed going to bingo every week with her daughters. Dona was a very loving active member of the community that will be missed by many.
Dona is survived by:
4 daughters: Laurel (Ron) Towns of Green Bay, WI
Diane Weiland of Escanaba, MI
Jude (Bill) St. Vincent of Escanaba, MI
Janis (Bruce) St. Vincent of Escanaba, MI
1 Sister-In-Law: Esther Kivisto of Marquette, MI
6 Grandchildren: Brian (Jennifer) Towns, Bethany (David) Martens, Amanda (Jeff) Marks, Nathan (Tiffany) St. Vincent,
Amber (Krystal) St. Vincent, and Austin (Ciara) St. Vincent.
19 Great Grandchildren: Bayne, Quillon, Griffon, D’Artagnan, Kain, Gage, Aubriel, Brody, Ozzye, EilaEver, Ledger, Sjofn, Jillian, Vincent, Brayden, Kaleb, Ryleigh, Evelyn Dona, and Larkyn.
And several StepChildren, Cousins, Nieces, and Nephews.
In addition to her Parents, Dona is preceded in death by:
First Husband: Louis Weiland
Second Husband: Robert LaPorte
2 Brothers: Peter and Wallace Chevrette
Grandchild: Zachary St. Vincent
Family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 from 3:30 until 6:30 PM at the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services will begin at 6:30 PM with Rev. Fr. Rick Courier officiating at the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to OSF Hospice in memory of Dona LaPorte. The family of Dona would like to thank OSF Hospice for all their assistance. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the LaPorte family.
Marcel B. Trudel - Gatineau, Quebec, Canada, QC
To Dona LaPorte entire family and all her many friends.
Will keep forever in my heart her hospitality and kindness on all my visits on my way from Canada. As well, many visits with my girlfriend, her cousin Shirley-Anne Trudell-Harper from Wisconsin. It was always a heart warming gesture when she would drop her work and come across to the front area to give us a big, big hug, and take our picture to post on her big cones on the wall.
Thank you Dona. The dolls as well are grieving. Ecanaba will never be quite the same.
May God bless you, protect you and keep you.
Mary Chevrette - Wadsworth, IL
Auntie Dona was a remarkable lady. I spent many a summer as a child staying with the Weiland family for weeks at a time. We always had so much fun. Sleeping each night among the many dolls hanging on the wall took some getting use to. I bragged about her and her love of dolls, all my life. The first time my boyfriend met her at the ice cream store, she had Judy take us over to show him the dolls and he has always loved that she said to him “Now you can see how crazy I really am!”. She was a truly unique person. The world will be at loss with out this gem to shine! My thoughts are prayers are with you girls. I like to think that your Mom and my Dad are breaking bread with the whole Chevrette family in heaven.
Debbie Seger Holm LeBlanc - Sault Ste Marie, MI
Great memories and you will be missed… I remember attending your wedding and meetings at the civic center years ago as well as being one of the volunteers with you going up to meet with prisoners “soon to be released” at Marquette Branch in the 80s…. My daughter loved when you took us on a tour of your house and all your dolls when she was little… 🙁
Ann Streichert - Escanaba, MI
Dear Jan and family,
May you all find peace in the wonderful memories you have shared with your Mom over the years. Prayers and hugs to all.
Ann Streichert
Shirley Anne Trudell-Harper - Sun Prairie, WI
I send my condolences to Dona LaPorte’s family and friends! I feel so blessed to have met this remarkable lady! I saw the love she had for her customers. I feel an emptiness and sadness knowing we have lost such an inspiring friend! Dona always showed love and kindness whenever we came to the store with my boyfriend to or from Canada or a stay in Escanaba with family and friends. I remembering taking my granddaughter Hannah there for her first trip. I told her our first stop is at Jim’s Dari which was the place my dad’s grandmother use to own and I was born in this store. Dona ‘s doll collection was a highlight for Hannah! Dona and my mother were Chevrette’s and families both had come from the Ishpeming area. Dona and I believed we are also related. I loved our chats at the store and phone calls. You will hold a special place in my heart always. You still made the best cones! RIP Dona
Katy Bunch - Escanaba , Mi
Rest in Peace Dona You were an very nice and very sweet woman i will miss seeing you and being greeted by you when i come to get ice cream at Jims prayers for your family
Lynn Chevrette - Negaunee, MI
For Dona’s girls. Your mother was a beautiful lady. We didn’t get to see her very often, but she was still close in our hearts. She and my dad (Don Chevrette) were first cousins through their fathers. I was closer to Diane than your mom. I’d run into her and stop by for a chat when she got off the bus. I’d be walking Lulu when I got off from my job at Norlite and Diane would just be getting home from her job at Taco Bell. We always called each other “Cuz”. Your mom and Diane used to come to see Tom and Jeanette at the camp on the Dead River. They were as welcome as the warm rains in spring. I’ll miss her Christmas cards and occasional notes. I talked with Uncle Tom last night. He sends his love as well.