Joanne Perry

ISHPEMING, MI-Joanne Perry, age 95, a cherished longtime resident of Ishpeming, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her loving family on Monday, May 5, 2025, at UP Health System ­ Marquette.

Born in Marquette on June 16, 1929, Joanne was the daughter of Dorothy M. (Johnston) and Joseph H. DeRocher. She grew up in Marquette and graduated from Graveraet High School in 1947. On June 10, 1950, she married the love of her life, Glenn ‘Spike’ Perry. Together, they made their home in Ishpeming and raised four children.

Joanne was deeply devoted to her family and community. She was actively involved in her children’s lives, serving as a Cub Scout leader and frequently chaperoning the Ishpeming Blue Notes well into her 90s. Professionally, she worked for many years as a payroll clerk at Northern Michigan University, retiring at the age of 73.

A faithful member of Grace Episcopal Church, Joanne was known for her talents in the kitchen, particularly her exceptional baking. A passionate sports fan, she proudly followed her family’s athletic pursuits across several schools-including the Hematites, Miners, Patriots, and Marshfield Tigers. She also enjoyed rooting for the Michigan Wolverines and the Green Bay Packers. Joanne enjoyed singing with her sisters, the ‘well-known’ DeRocher sisters.

Joanne is survived by her children: Scott (Denise) Perry of Ishpeming; Debbie (Gary) Romero of Santa Fe, NM; and Susan Heilala and her fiance Doug LaFond of Ishpeming. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Lori Perry of Ishpeming and her sister, Judie Smukowski of Greendale, WI.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and family, including 13 grandchildren-Bradley (Dannette) Perry, Pamela (Daniel) Waterman, Daniel (Melissa) Perry, Mark (Denise) Perry, Brian (Chrissy) Perry, Michael (Allie) Perry, Jeff (Lora) Kinnunen, Jennifer Kinnunen, Kerry Lawson, Leslie (Derek) Berner, Christopher (Angela) Heilala, Joseph (Jennifer) Heilala, and Ryan (Natalie Still) Heilala-as well as 30 great-grandchildren, three great-great-granddaughters, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Glenn ‘Spike’ Perry (2012); her son David Perry; son-in-law Ted Heilala; granddaughter Tina Perry; sister, Nancy Pyrzewski, brothers-in-law Bill Pyrzewski and Dave Smukowski.

Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Ishpeming, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Tim Johnston. A luncheon will be served in the church hall following the service. Interment will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Marquette. Pallbearers will be Jeff Kinnunen, Mark, Brad, Dan Perry, Chris, Joey and Ryan Heilala. Joanne’s full obituary can also be viewed online at bjorkandzhulkie.com, where friends and family are invited to share memories and leave messages of condolence.