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Rose Anne ‘Dani’ Groleau

Rose Anne ‘Dani’ Groleau

ESCANABA — Rose Anne “Dani” Groleau, 72, of Escanaba and Nahma, died unexpectedly of natural causes at her beloved cabin in Nahma.

Born May 27, 1947 in Escanaba to Henry L. and Violet L. Sargent, Dani was raised in Nahma and attended the Nahma Township Schools until her 1965 graduation. She attended Eastern Michigan University briefly before graduating from Northern Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree in special education.

Dani loved her career as a special education teacher and devoted much of her life to making the lives of students with disabilities as full and rich as possible. She started her career in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. teaching pre-school and special education. In 1980, she, with her family, relocated to Escanaba, where she taught for many years for the Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School District, retiring in 2007. After retirement, Dani remained actively involved with Special Olympics and other events that enriched the lives of many people. Dani truly embraced diverse abilities and exemplified what it means to include everyone, no matter what the circumstances.

On July 25, 1970, Dani wed Brian “Pat” Groleau. They lived in Escanaba for many years. Dani loved her family, friends, and all things Nahma beyond measure. She had the kindest heart and people always felt happy just being around her.

Dani had a special bond with each of her children and grandchildren and prided herself with being completely committed to her family. Whether it was advice, football/basketball/volleyball games, a choir concert, Grandparents Day, or babysitting, Dani was always there for her people, without hesitation. She was the BEST grandma, always offering words of encouragement and leaving a little “treat money” when she visited.

The Groleau cabin in Nahma was Dani’s place of solitude and peace. She looked forward to opening it up every spring to let the summer fun begin. The Nahma Beach was Dani’s happy place. She enjoyed ­raking and cleaning the beach every day in the summer and spent hours enjoying the sound of the waves and a good chat with her friends while basking in the sunshine. When she wasn’t on the beach, she could be found enjoying time with her friends at her book club or supporting the Nahma Historical Society.

Dani was preceded by her husband Pat and her parents. She is survived by her ­daughters, Rochelle (Robert) Huss of Combined Locks, Wis.; Amber (Ken) Rygh of Escanaba; sister, Mary Elizabeth (the late Michael) Groleau of Nahma; brother, Bud (Ellen) Sargent of Marquette; six grandchildren, Sawyer, Tate, Sofia, Ethan, Odin, and Jackson. She will also be missed by many special friends.

Visitation will take place at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Nahma from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for 1 p.m. Burial will take place in the spring in the New Garden Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Special Olympics of Michigan, Area One or the Nahma Historical Society.

For additional information or to leave a message of ­condolence, go to www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.