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CHOCOLAY TWP, MI – Estelle Catherine DeVooght, age 99, of Chocolay Township, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 21, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family, kindhearted caregivers, and dedicated friends.
Estelle was born in Marquette on November 5, 1926, the daughter of Emil and Margaret (Mackie) Papin. She was raised in Marquette and graduated from Graveraet High School. Following high school, she married Rene DeVooght on February 9, 1946. Together they built a life and raised their ten children on their farm in Chocolay Township. Estelle was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker and was deeply involved in her children's school activities. Her greatest joy was her family and she took great pride in her children and over 80 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Estelle also opened her home and her heart to countless others who felt like family over the years. Her Sunday morning waffles, decadent cinnamon rolls, and endless chocolate chip cookies are cherished memories for the family and all who were fortunate enough to share them. The holidays were a highlight for her and she brought the fun to any celebration. She was always teaching those she cared for as she enjoyed life on the farm, caring for animals, tending the gardens, preparing meals, cleaning, crafting, sewing, and crocheting. She did all these things with great love. Estelle also extended that love to her community in countless ways, never seeking the recognition. She was a founding member of St. Louis the King Catholic Church, dedicating a great deal of time to catechism and the women's club. She was a member of the Harvey Homemakers Extension and served as a legal guardian to numerous individuals. She served as a 4-H leader for more than 50 years and served many years as a supervisor in the poultry barn at the Marquette County Fair. Estelle had a lifelong love of collecting postcards and stamps. She loved to travel and the places she couldn't go in person, she visited through postcards and letters with pen pals. Family and friends who traveled knew to bring Estelle a postcard from their journey, and over the years she carefully preserved them in treasured postcard books.
Estelle's family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all of the caregivers who helped Estelle stay in the comfort of her home by providing compassionate care and support. They would also like to thank the friends who visited regularly and kept her in their prayers.
Estelle is survived by nine children; Mary Shegan, Dan DeVooght, Terry (Dick) Goodwin, Pat (Bill) Sill, Judy (Dean) Moenck, Mike (Marianne) DeVooght, Bill (Mary) DeVooght, Helen (Joe) Bicigo, Tim (Kelly) DeVooght, and daughter-in-law, Nancy DeVooght. Grandchildren; Rebecca, Joseph (Kerry), David (Vilma), Heidi (Brian), Matthew (Mary), Thad (Amy), Brenda (Eric), Brian (Becky), Jessica, Ryan (Bridget), William (Molly), Nicholas (Morgan), Austin, Luke (Madi), Zach (Cheyenne), Charles (Miriam), Olivia (Craig), Emily (Andy), Owen, Steven, Michelle, Jesse (Eric), Craig (Erica), Casey, Carrie (Ken), Mike (Kim). Great-grandchildren; Maggie, Ella, Claire, William, Cecelia, Oliver, Joey, Elizabeth, Xavier, Penelope, Charlie, Campbell, Nate, Simon, James, Stella, Sophie, Samantha (Colin), Abigail (Conner), Hannah, Ernest, Talon, Tristen, Milan, Isaiah, Eliada, Obed, Tobias, Reuben, Cassandra, Theodore, Levi, Louis, Malachi, Malala, Reid, Paisley, Memphis, Briggyn, Birdie, Bassen, Nash, Ali Jo, Nilo, Axel, Hazel, Hallie, Diesel, Steel, Gosia, Genevieve, Brayden, Karsyn, JR, Camryn, Cooper, Cash. Great-great-grandchildren; Penny, Colton. Also survived by her sister, Helen Brant along with several nieces and nephews. Estelle was preceded in death by her husband, Rene, son, Joe DeVooght, son-in-law, Sonny Shegan, and brother, Charles Papin.
Visitation will take place at Canale-Tonella Funeral Home on Sunday, August 30, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a Rosary Service at 7:30 p.m.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 31, at St. Louis the King Catholic Church, with visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m., followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 12:00 p.m. A luncheon will follow the Mass in Fr. Gauthier Hall. Private Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Marquette Senior Center, 300 W. Baraga Ave, Marquette, MI 49855 as well as Marquette County 4-H, 184 US Hwy 41 East, Negaunee, MI 49866.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at canalefuneral.com