Kathryn LeDuc

Kay was born on January 6, 1938, in Marquette, MI, a daughter of Nicholas and Clarice (Glanville) DePetro. She was a 1955 graduate of Bishop Baraga High School. Following graduation, she pursued her passion for nursing at St. Luke’s School of Nursing, earning her degree as a registered nurse in 1958. She later furthered her education, receiving her bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University in 1987.

A devoted homemaker while raising her four children, Kay’s nurturing spirit extended beyond her family as she later worked as a nurse for Upper Peninsula Home Health and Hospice. She was a woman of boundless energy and enthusiasm, dedicating herself to numerous hobbies and community activities. An avid baker and golfer, Kay participated in ladies’ bridge leagues, the beautification committee, and was instrumental in starting the women’s aerobics group at Tourville. She was also a proud member of the Red Hat Society, the Paisano Club, and the Marquette Golf Club.

A lifelong member of St. Michael Catholic Church, Kay and her husband, Gordy, attended daily Mass. She was an active member of the St. Michael Altar Society and actively volunteered with the RSVP Club and served on the special projects board for the Beacon House. She and Gordy were honored as Volunteers of the Year by the Marquette Beautification Committee for their dedication to improving their community.

Kay married Gordon “Gordy” LeDuc on May 8, 1987, and together they shared many wonderful years, including winters in Florida. She had a remarkable talent for sewing, having made clothing for her children in their younger years.

Kay is survived by her beloved husband, Gordon “Gordy” LeDuc of Marquette; her daughters, Mary Ellen Washburne of L’Anse, Peggy Sue (Bryan) Butler of Fresno, CA, and Elizabeth Ann (Edward) Downey of Overland Park, KS; her siblings, Barbara White, Diane Peltola, Mary DeMarse, Patricia (Dan) Benson, and John (Joyce) DePetro, all of Marquette; her cherished grandchildren, Ashleigh K. (Marcus) Cervantes, Alex (Wendy Torres) Butler, and Brian Lee (Stephanie) Burnett; her four great-grandchildren, Blake Burnett, Brice Burnett, Brody Burnett, and Collins K. Cervantes; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Richard C. Rogers; her son, Richard W. Rogers; and her brothers-in-law, Jerry DeMarse, Phillip White, Charlie Peltola, and Roger LeDuc.

Special thanks to the caregivers at Eastwood Nursing Home, Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, and the nurses and staff at UP Health Systems Marquette for their exceptional and compassionate care. The family would also like to express gratitude to Fr. Greg Heikkala and Dr. Katie Braing for their dedicated and loving support.

Friends may call on Friday, March 7, 2025 at St. Michael Catholic Church from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 noon in the church with Rev. Greg Heikkala officiating. A luncheon will follow in the Parish Center. Burial will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Beacon House, 200 S. Seventh St., Marquette, MI 49855 and Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, 914 W. Baraga Ave, Marquette, MI 49855.

The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at canalefuneral.com.