Pavie Rasmussen-Donnelly

Born March 31, 1933, in Marquette, a daughter of Edward and Leona (Desormier) Rasmussen, Pavie spent her childhood at the Huron Mountain Club in Big Bay, where her father managed the club and her mother managed housekeeping and the dining hall. The family lived in their own cozy cabin, and Pavie’s early years were filled with extraordinary experiences, dancing lessons from Mrs. Henry Ford and summers working as a waitress and nanny (a “keeper”) for club member’s children. One of her dearest lifelong friendships began during these years with Bill Purvis, whom she once cared for as a nanny.

Pavie was a proud graduate of Bishop Baraga High School, Class of 1951. She continued her education at Northern Michigan University, earning a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education. She began her teaching career in Lower Michigan before returning to the Upper Peninsula, where she briefly taught at the Catholic Elementary School in Ishpeming. Pavie then found her true calling as a kindergarten teacher at K.I. Sawyer Elementary School, where she remained until her retirement.

On December 29, 1984, Pavie married Terrance Franklin Donnelly in a picturesque ceremony in Zermatt, Switzerland. They traveled the world together sharing a love of adventure that defined their lives.

Pavie was an avid skier, figure skater, hiker, and dedicated genealogist. She cherished her time exploring family history and enjoyed adventures with her closest friends, especially Pat Torreano. She lived life on her own terms, an independent, spirited soul who left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

She is survived by her brother Edward (Mary) Rasmussen of Iron Mountain MI, nephews Jeff, Chris, and Tim, nieces Bernadette, Julie, Mary Carol, Kim, Jan, dear longtime friends Patricia Torreano, Pat Woods, her sons Timothy and Brian Czarnota and families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Terrance, her sister and brother-in-law Bernard and Shirley LaBonte, her nephew Gregory LaBonte and a baby brother.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Roxanne Filizetti for her friendship and compassionate care throughout Pavie’s illness, as well as to the dedicated staff at Marquette County Medical Care Facility, especially Tami Mallett, for their exceptional care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to UPAWS, 815 South M-553, Gwinn, MI 49841 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in Pavie’s memory.

Honoring Pavie’s request, private family graveside services will be held at a later date.

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