Donna Maxine Donnelly, 79, of Traverse City, passed away Mon, Jan 6, 2020 at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City.
Donna was born in Genesee Township of Genesee County on Mon, Oct 7, 1940 the daughter of Aleta (Howell) and Fred Williams Casselman. Her parents passed away when she was at a very young age, and she was then adopted by Allen and Marguerite Casselman.
Living in Traverse City her whole life, she graduated from Traverse City Central High School.
She married the love of her life, Tim Donnelly, on Oct 25, 1958 in Traverse City. He preceded her in death Dec 14, 2013.
Donna spent many years working in foster care, which she enjoyed very much. she was also employed at Cap Computer, Joann Fabrics, and Holiday Inn.
She loved to sew, was an avid reader and enjoyed putting puzzles together. She enjoyed playing Bingo and Bunco with friends. She also enjoyed a game of euchre with family. As many of her family can tell you, she was an avid collector of Jim Shore Santas, salt and pepper shakers, thimbles, and her utmost favorite, anything to do with owls.
She was a member of the Elmwood Fire Department Women's Auxiliary.
Her family will always remember her laugh. Donna enjoyed spending so much time with her family.
Surviving Donna are her daughter, Sue (Terry) Wilkins, of Traverse City; her daughter in law, Deb Donnelly of Kingsley; grandchildren, Amanda, Sarah, Justin (Cassie), Allee, Scott, Josh (Lindsey), Kirt (Chelsey) and Kyle (Laura); great grandchildren, Hannah, Thomas, Caden, Brandon, Nathan, Gavin, and Kamrin; her sister, Dorothy Antes; sister and brothers in law, Florence Hower, Richard Donnelly, Ellie (Don) Clark, and Chris Pifer; and several very special nieces, nephews, and friends.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Tim; her sons, Joey and Allen; parents and adopted parents; and siblings, Bob and Dick Casselman, Ruth Henry, and Roberta Manville.
Visitation for Donna will take place today, Jan 9 from 4 until 7 pm, with the rosary prayed at 7 pm, at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery.
