Rose Deanne Nehra

Rose DeAnne Nehra, 75, died unexpectedly Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, during a brief hospitalization. She died with her brothers, sister-in-law, Susan, and two best friends by her side.

Born Aug. 9, 1949, in Detroit, to John and Teresa (nee Bolus) Nehra, DeAnne attended the Convent of the Sacred Heart in Grosse Pointe Farms from kindergarten through high school. She subsequently attended Marymount University in Virginia and graduated with a degree in fashion and marketing. In 1982, after a successful decade as a buyer for department stores in Michigan and Washington, D.C., DeAnne was hired as the administrative director of the nascent division of professional liability for the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG). She thrived at the college, earning the role of director of the Council on Resident Education. DeAnne was a force at ACOG and worked closely with the leading educators in women’s health.

Dr. Douglas Laube remembers DeAnne as well organized, accommodating and loyal — at times fiercely loyal, supporting those who were lucky enough to be part of her educational committees. She oversaw meetings across the country and was involved with educational directives that were critical to future physicians. She developed close friendships with many academics and residency directors. She maintained these relationships beyond retirement. These include Mark Woodland, John Musich and Douglas Laube.

DeAnne had an exceptionally close relationship with her "Aunt Poe," Rose Ann Michael. DeAnne was another daughter to Aunt Poe and a sibling to Rose Ann’s children. DeAnne passed away exactly one year to the date of her beloved aunt’s death. DeAnne took great pride in her own role as aunt, providing unwavering love, devotion and fun to each niece and nephew, sharing deeply in life’s joys and sorrows. Her adoration for her family knew no bounds and only grew as she became a great aunt, or “Auntie” and “DeDe,” as she was affectionately known.

Following retirement, DeAnne split her time between Washington, D.C.; Stuart, Fla.; and Grosse Pointe. In Florida, DeAnne was devoted to caring for her parents and spent a great deal of time with them as they edged into their late 90s and beyond. She especially enjoyed an early evening scotch with her “Pops.” DeAnne’s life was a testament to deep connections. Beginning as early as kindergarten, DeAnne formed and nurtured many-decades-long friendships. She developed an especially strong bond with Mary Dee Clancy that began at Marymount. DeAnne and Suzy Kitun met as roommates in Georgetown in 1972. Both friendships flourished into lifelong sources of love and support.

Through Suzy, DeAnne met Jeff Vanni, a dear friend and life partner the last several years. Additionally, DeAnne shared a special and enduring relationship with Mark Woodland, his husband, David, and their two children. These cherished friendships, among many others, were a cornerstone of DeAnne’s life, providing her with a network of love and loyalty she deeply valued and reciprocated in kind.

DeAnne lived life to its fullest. She said yes to nearly every opportunity and invitation that came her way. She took great joy traveling, whether for work or pleasure and whatever the destination. DeAnne understood the importance of presence in the lives of her loved ones. Her presence will be greatly missed.

She was predeceased by her father, John; Aunt Poe; uncles, Mike, Sam and George; and great-nephew, Kyle. DeAnne is survived by her mother, Teresa; brothers, Anthony (Carlene), John (Susan) and Paul (Jane Ann); nieces and nephews, Anthony, Terese, Joshua, Lauren, Katie, Clare, Annie, Mary and Kate; grandnieces and grandnephews, Lizzy, John, Charlotte, Oliver, Sullivan, Maxwell and Paul; her dear Aunt Priscilla; her beloved cousins and their families; and many treasured friends.

A funeral Mass celebrating DeAnne’s life will take place at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 3, at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Hobe Sound, Fla.

DeAnne was involved in numerous health-related charities, especially those devoted to cancer prevention and care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Less Cancer, bit.ly/3Dv473m; or Marymount University, alumni.marymount.edu/Donate-Now.