Addison Noelle Perala, 16, of Negaunee, born in Marquette on December 21, 2005, was released back into the arms of her Daddy and Jesus after sustaining serious injuries from an automobile accident on Friday, November 4, 2022. She was the daughter of Diane (Ayotte) Perala and the late John Paul Perala, and the little sister of Cambrie Autumn Perala.
Cambrie and Addison’s time with their Daddy was cut short after his sudden passing on September 21, 2007, and that was the beginning of their nearly inseparable relationship as sisters and best friends. Though opposites when it came to hobbies and interests—they were referred to as “Salt & Pepper”—it was rare to see one without the other. “Is Cambrie going?” was Addi’s mantra. If the answer was “no,” she wasn’t going either.
Addison was a junior at Negaunee High School, was actively involved in the Negaunee High School Chorus, had a role in last year’s High School Musical 2 performance, and was in the upcoming Christmas play Scrooge. She was part of the Negaunee Middle School Cheerleading Squad and Negaunee High School Dance Team for two years.
Addi loved to dance. She was self-taught, watching YouTube videos over and over until she mastered what she set out to accomplish, and she also participated in gymnastics and ballet classes for five years. She taught herself most things: how to do an aerial, dutch braids, a fishtail braid, her own makeup, and innumerable dance moves, including choreography. And she was a fashion queen.
She planned to attend Cosmetology School next year, become an aesthetician, and open her own salon doing hair and…whatever an aesthetician does. Her stepdad, Tim, became her guinea pig. Addi would peruse the net for the latest trends in men’s hairstyles and then track him down, scissors in hand. She was very good at art and decorating, and she was a PERFECTIONIST! The surface wasn’t even scratched regarding the breadth of her interests and talents.
Addi was looking forward to a very special trip with Mom and Cambrie to Malibu, California, for her Dad’s birthday on March 26, 2023. She couldn’t wait to see Pepperdine University, where he received his MBA, visit his old home, and reminisce with his friends that still live there. The fashion queen in her couldn’t wait to hit up the shops on the infamous Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and get her picture taken by the Hollywood sign.
Despite the unbreakable, enviable bond she had with Mom and her big sis, a little part of Addi’s heart was always with her late father. She missed the goodnight kisses and the father-daughter dance. She wanted him there for her upcoming junior prom and to walk her down the aisle…someday. She intrinsically understood the importance of family. This was one of her most beautiful qualities. Addison cherished her family. Her Mother was her rock, her safe place, her source of comedic relief, and she was just plain hooked on her. And Cambrie was her idol, pure and simple. Together, the trio exemplified unconditional love.
Anyone who spent any time at all with Addison knew they were in the presence of a beautiful and giving heart. She left this world much too soon. She had so much more to do, share, experience, and learn, but she always had love all figured out. In fact, Addison had talked Mom into a puppy a few weeks back. Odin, an 8-week-old goldendoodle, became an official member of the family last Friday, the day she departed. Even in death, Addi brought the ones she loved a source of comfort, something for them to care for, and receive love from in return. Her heart keeps on giving.
Addison Noelle is survived by her mother and stepfather, Diane and Timothy Dix; best friend and sister, Cambrie Autumn Perala; three furbabies: Duncan, Winston, and Odin; maternal grandparents, Pam and Pete Gadzinski of Ishpeming; Danny Ayotte and step-grandmother Tami Jandron of Negaunee; Susan Dix of Ishpeming; paternal grandparents, Ronald (Jack) and Barbara Perala of Negaunee; stepsisters: Ashley Dix, Alyssa (Seth Kohtala) Dix, Cassandra (Kyle) Kotajarvi; nephew, Jaedon Pole; aunts and uncles: Gary (Tammy) Ayotte of Green Bay, Scott (Amy) Ayotte of Gladstone, Debbie (Gordon) Chinn, Jeanne (Michael) Kinnunen, Gary Perala all of Negaunee, and Mark (Terri) Perala of Ishpeming; Special uncles Chuck Dix, Jon Gooding, and David Guizzetti; cousins: Taylor, Gavin, Logan, Carson, and Kamryn Ayotte; John (Jill) Dix and their children Thomas and Charles; Phillip (Sarah) Dix and children Lydia and Louis; Lisa (Dominic) Jacobetti and children Natalie Kinnunen and Nicholas Jacobetti; David (Becky) Kinnunen and children Elli and Bryson; Tyler Perala, Brittany Perala, and her daughter, Kaya; Kamdyn and Kentyn Kinnunen; and Raeann Larson.
She was preceded in death by her father, John Perala; her uncle, Mark Gadzinski; great-grandmother, Marion Conway; step-grandfather Charles Dix; two furbabies, Quinn and Marley.
Rest In Peace safe in the arms of your Daddy and Jesus my sweet baby girl “Eyes to the Heavens.”
A heartfelt thank you to Dr. John and Rachael Bartlett for the years of fantastic care you provided to Addison. The entire Perala family expresses sincere appreciation and gratitude to the amazing ER and trauma team at UPHS-Marquette, Negaunee and Ishpeming City Police, Michigan State Police Negaunee Post, Negaunee Fire Department, Marquette County 131 Rescue, UPHS EMS, Michigan State Police 8th District Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division and Accident Reconstruction Team, Antilla’s Towing, Crossroads Towing, and Marquette County Central Dispatch.
A special thanks to the Negaunee Public Schools and everyone that helped Addison through the years in creating an amazing, beautiful, perfect masterpiece of a young lady.
To the Negaunee High School Class of 2024, may you find comfort knowing you have a special angel that will continue to walk with you through the halls of NHS. In the words of Addison, “You live your life once, so live it up now,” “I decide my vibe,” and “Celebrate life.” Be safe. Make good choices. Never forget to tell the ones you love how much you love them. GO MINERS
Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon until 3:30 pm on Wednesday, November 9th at St. Paul Catholic Church in Negaunee. A time for eulogy will take place prior to a Mass of Christian Burial being celebrated at 4:00 pm with Rev. Larry Van Damme officiating. Pallbearers will be Gary and Mark Perala, Scott and Gary Ayotte, David Guizzetti and Jon Gooding. Honorary pallbearers will be Gavin, Logan, Carson Ayotte, Nicholas Jacobetti and Jaedon Pole. Burial will take place next to her Father in the Negaunee Cemetery. Following Mass, a meal and time for fellowship will take place in the St. Paul Gymnasium. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Addison’s memory to the Negaunee High School Choral Department and/or the Negaunee All-Sports Booster Club.
Addison’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com