Barbara Joan (Perrault) Grove

Barbara Joan Grove, born March 2, 1938, in Ishpeming, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born Barbara Perrault, she grew up with a deep appreciation for simple joys – sunshine, gardens, and exercise. She was preceded in death by her mother, Adele (Kroon) Gauthier; father, Clifford Perrault; stepfather, Fred (Paddy) Gauthier; sisters, Shirley and Joyce; and her beloved dog, Fred, who surely greeted her with a wagging tail.

Barb leaves behind her devoted husband, Robert Lee Grove, with whom she shared a lifetime of love and partnership; her son, Marc Grove (wife Lucy); her daughter, Tracie Hart (husband Terry); her cherished grandchildren, Alisha, Bradley, Samantha, and Kelly; and her great-grandson, Harrison. She also leaves behind a brother, Kip Perrault (wife Judy) of Winston-Salem, NC.

Barb earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northern Michigan University (NMU). She worked as a teacher in several Marquette-area schools and later as the secretary for the Criminal Justice Department at NMU, where she made lasting friendships before retiring.

She also gave back to her community through more than 30 years of volunteer work at Marquette General Hospital, and later UP Health System, sharing her time, kindness, and appreciation for others.

A woman of boundless energy and spirit, Barb found joy in caring for her yard and garden. Each fall, she could be found plucking leaves straight from the trees at her home in Chocolay Township where she resided for 57 years. She never liked waiting for nature to take its course. She loved playing card games (Smear) with her family, a favorite pastime that brought out her laughter and competitive spark.

Her passion for life extended to her love of cycling. A lifelong bicycle enthusiast, Barb logged more than 2,000 miles a year on her bike well into her 80s – an incredible testament to her determination, strength, and zest for living.

Those who knew her will remember her warmth, humor, and unwavering love. Barb’s legacy lives on in the gardens she nurtured, the roads she traveled, and the family she cherished.

Family will greet friends at Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a service beginning at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Thomas Merkel officiating and a luncheon to follow.

Barb’s love of cycling need not end. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to Start the Cycle at https://startthecyclemqt.org/donate or by mail at PO Box 815, Marquette MI 49855.