"Donna was both a great person and professor. I worked in the Counseling Center at Northern as a student for a summer, so I got to know both Carol and Donna well. She was kind, a great mentor and a wonderful person. Thomas Crady, Ph.D. "
Dr. Donna Alexandra Pearre, 74, of Marquette, passed away Saturday afternoon, May 7, 2022, at UP Health System-Marquette with her wife and daughter by her side.
Dr. Pearre was born on December 31, 1947 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, the eldest child of the late David and Donna (Green) Pearre. She had resided in this area since 1977.
Dr. Pearre graduated from Miami of Ohio University with a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education. She achieved a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from Ball State University in 1974 and a Doctor of Education in Counseling Psychology in 1976, also from Ball State. Upon graduation, Donna taught for a year in Ball State's Masters in Counseling Program in Germany adding to her years of working, living and traveling throughout Europe.
In 1977, Dr. Pearre was hired by Northern Michigan University to teach in their graduate counseling program. A year later she became Director of Academic Advisement and eventually became the first woman to be Vice President of Student Affairs. She retired in 1993 as Vice President of Student Affairs.
After her retirement from Northern, Donna and her spouse, Dr Carole Van House, founded Avalon Farm Alpacas, LLC in 1995 in West Branch Township. Donna and Carole loved their farm and enjoyed their farm life together for 24 years, selling the farm in 2019. Their farm allowed Donna to give her love to over 100 alpacas, and many dogs, horses, and cats.
Donna is survived by her loving wife of 46 years, Dr. Carole Van House of Marquette; their daughter, Jennifer Erin Van House Cosco of Marquette; their grandson, Joshua Ryan Cosco of Marquette; sister, Debra Pearre (Patrick) Gabay of New City, NY; a brother, David A. (Jill) Pearre II of Lake Forest, IL; also nieces, Jessica Gabay (Matthew) Hamilton, Jacqlyn Gabay (Warren) Flesch; nephews, Justin Gabay, David A. (Lauren) Pearre III, Robert "Bobby" Pearre, Jackson Pearre, Charles James (C J) Pearre; also surviving are a great niece, great nephew and numerous close cousins (known as "the YaYas").
A Celebration of Donna's Life will be held on Monday, June 27th at 2 p.m. in Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Marquette with The Reverend Marna Franson officiating. The funeral will be live streamed at: https://my.gather.app/remember/donna-pearre
Donna's family will greet relatives and friends immediately following the service for a coffee and dessert reception in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Jude Children's Hospital 501 S. Jude Place, Memphis,TN 38105 in Dr. Pearre's memory.
Donna's obituary can also be viewed at canalefuneral.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.
"Donna was both a great person and professor. I worked in the Counseling Center at Northern as a student for a summer, so I got to know both Carol and Donna well. She was kind, a great mentor and a wonderful person. Thomas Crady, Ph.D. "
"Dr. Pearre had a great influence on my education and career, working for her as a student at NMU. She was a lovely soul. I'm sorry I never got to say this in person. Kammie Rossetto Juzwin"
"My sister was a fun, brilliant , sensitive lady. We had lots of laughs together! She had me meet her in Europe after graduating from college and we drove all over Europe laughing, eating, drinking and recalling family memories of our lil bro and our parents. That is when we experienced " The great pickle race" !! Since her passing I feel she has sent me a message related to that experience ! I love you Sistaaaaa!!! I know you will have another great journey!!"