Desarae “Des” Joanne (Cope) Garn
Desarae “Des” Joanne (Cope) Garn passed away peacefully in her home August 31, 2025, surrounded by her loving husband, daughters, and their families. Des was born February 12, 1957 in Cheboygan to Jetre and Alice Cope. She grew up in Onaway alongside her two brothers and many beloved extended family members. After graduating from high school, she attended John Wesley College in Owosso, where she met the love of her life Rorey Gregg Garn, her husband of almost 47 years.
Des dedicated her life to creating a warm and nurturing home. She was not only a wonderful mother to her four daughters, but a mother figure to so many others as well. She was affectionately known as “Monny” to her 22 grandchildren.
First and foremost, Desarae was a follower of Jesus. Her greatest joy was her family and the relationships she built and nurtured. In her final days, she reminded her grandchildren, “Family is the most precious thing.” She lived out that belief every single day. She would drop everything in a moment if one of her precious children or grandchildren needed something.
Des had a gift for making others feel special. She loved music, writing, gardening, antiques and planning special events. She was a gracious hostess and created spaces where everyone felt welcomed and loved.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jetre and Alice Cope.
She is survived by her husband, Gregg; her brothers, Rocco (Becky) Cope of Onaway and Jesse (Mary) Cope of Alanson; and her four daughters and their families, Vanessa (David) Leach and children Elaine, Emma, Eva, Eden and Emanuella of Kincheloe; Lydia (Matthew) Chamberlain and children Peyton, Charley, Ariana, Madalyn, Marley and Griffin of Alanson; Alicia (Nathanael) Huff and children Jackson, Caleb, Reagan, Ember, Emma and Novah of Strawberry Plains, Tennessee; and
A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 6, at 11 a.m. at Harbor Light Community Chapel, 8333 Clayton Rd., Harbor Springs, MI 49740.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Pregnancy Care Center of Petoskey at www.pregnancycarecenter.com.
Arrangements are in care of Chagnon Funeral Home.
