Olga Mary DeGrand, age 97, of Escanaba passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at the Norlite Nursing Home in Marquette.
Olga was born April 7, 1926 in Escanaba, the daughter of Russian immigrants, Nicholas and Mary (Warchena) Chernick. She was raised on a farm and graduated from the Bark River-Harris School. She was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Anne Catholic Church for many years. She was united in marriage to Leo DeGrand. In their later years they loved spending their winters in Florida. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, playing cards, cooking and baking. Olga showed love through her food. She was well known for her pies and apple dumplings and shared them with everyone.
Olga is survived by her daughter, Carol (Tom) Dunleavy of Marquette; grandchildren, Thomas Dunleavy and Lara (Jerome) Torres; great grandchildren, Thomas and Katelyn Dunleavy and Matea and Leo Torres; her brother, David (Linda) Chernick and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Leo, her parents, brothers, Nicholas, John and Wesley and sisters, Ann Pinozek, Helen Ryan, Jean DeGrand and Barbara Phalen as well as sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and many other family and friends.
The family would like to thank the staff of Norlite Nursing Home for the care and compassion.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 27 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at St. Anne Catholic Church in Escanaba. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM with Fr. Fran DeGroot officiating. A luncheon will follow in the parish hall. Olga will be laid to rest in the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Escanaba,
In lieu of flowers, the DeGrand family asks that you pay it forward to someone in need.
Lisa M Menard - Escanaba, MI
Carol & family,
We loved Aunt Olga so much. She was one of the nicest people I knew. She was so giving & non judgemental.
We will miss her smile & hugs. She is now free of pain & is with Uncle Lee & her family.
Nicole Larucci (Chernick) - Mchenry , IL
Love you auntie Olga! You always had a kind heart and made me giggle with your sense of humor.
Lisa - Long Prairie, MN
My Aunt Olga; aunt; confident, nurturer, parent, irreverent (when needed), kind and God loving. She taught me kindness, strength and the love of our family. Her love spanned generations and I’m so blessed to have had/have her in my life. She educated me on my Russian family, how to date properly and my father could do no wrong. I am blessed to have you in my life… I will love you to the moon and back!
Julia Hadas - San Antonio, TX
Mrs DeGrand enjoyed a long life loving her family. My condolences for your loss. RIP Olga.
Gary & Becky Lehman - Escanaba, MI
Our condolences to Olga’s entire family. She was such a beautiful person to talk to whenever we’d see her…especially at her Golf Course. My wife, family and friends played on her and Leo’s course quite often! May she Rest in Peace!
Betty Krause - Escanaba, MI
My condolences to Olga’s family. I met Olga many years ago at Ray Payment’s accounting office. We had many great talks when she came into the office. I was fortunate to be the recipient of many of her apple dumplings. She was always a delight to visit with. I have missed her over the years. Rest in peace sweet Olga.
Michael Degrand - Sacramento, CA
So sorry to hear of Olga’s passing. I enjoyed visiting Olga on every trip to Esky. Also enjoyed visiting her and Leo on my trips to Floride. She was one of my favorate aunts.
Bob & Theresa Bureau - WYOMING, MN
We enjoyed visiting with Olga in Naples while seeing Carol and Tom. She always made sure everyone was comfortable. Our deepest condolences!
Mary jo Mikkola - Negaunee, MI
Carol, Tom and family, I’m so sorry for your family’s loss. You were so fortunate to have her in your lives for such a long time. Your memories of her will always be with you. Praying for you and all of your family during this difficult time. Take care and condolences to all of your family.
Mary Jo and Roger Mikkola
Pat De Grand - Scappoose, OR
I’ll always remember aunt Olga as a kind and pleasant person. She and Leo were my godparents. My deepest condolences to Carol and family.
Thomas Seymour - Wetmore, Mi
I went to Canada fishing with doris and ding And Leo and Olga when I was around 10 years old. It was a fishing trip. I will never forget. I also help pick rocks when they were building the golf course. I have a lot of good memories with both of them.
Tami Dowd - Escanaba, MI
For many years, my dad and son went golfing and Leo and Olga were some of the best people there are. They were kind, considerate, and compassionate about their golf course. My dad and son have many, many great memories from the days they golfed there, it seems a lifetime ago now. Both Leo and Olga will be remembered with great fondness and smiles from our family. Your loss is great as they both were very great people.