LaVerne MacDonald

A graduate of Graveraet High School, Northern Michigan University and a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Tribe. She was often found reading by the lake and, until recently, walking her beloved Finnish Lapphund, Meesha. LaVerne is most known for her foundational and instrumental dedication to both Marquette Junior Hockey and the Marquette Figure Skating Club. Many generations remember her instructions to, “Stand up straight, bend your knees, and PUSH!!!” A wise legacy: on and off the ice.

She is survived by all three of her children: son James “Mac” MacDonald Jr. and his children with his late wife Su MacDonald, June Dee (Laura) MacDonald and Scott MacDonald, son Michael (Laura) MacDonald with children Thomas Royea and Madison Royea, and daughter Kathryn “Susie” (MacDonald) Swenor and son with husband John, Jack Swenor. She is also survived by her sister Marlene Campbell, nephews Charles (Kari) Campbell, Thomas (Katie) Campbell, Scott (Lori) Gauthier, niece Jill (Gauthier) Wiggins along with great-nephews Jaycee and Travis and great nieces Tonya, Rachel, Emily and Lucie.

Preceding her in journey to the other side are her parents, Charles Raymond Gauthier and Martha Charlotte (Elex) Gauthier, her former husband James D. MacDonald Sr., her brother, Leonard Gauthier, and daughter-in-law Susan MacDonald.

Consoling her children and grandchildren, Fr. Greg Heikkala of St. Michael Catholic Church administered LaVerne Therese’s final sacrament. A Catholic Mass will be celebrated in her name along with interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Marquette upon the return of warm weather.

The family, in accordance with LaVerne’s adamant demand, is forgoing the traditional visitation, funeral Mass, and luncheon. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to to United States Figure Skating by visiting give.usfigureskating.org

Canale-Tonella Funeral Home is assisting the family where memories and condolences may be shared at canalefuneral.com.