Donna Mae Lorraine Lory

Donna Mae (Donna) Lorraine Lory, a long-time resident of Onaway, Michigan (Black Lake), went to her eternal rest on September 7, 2019. She died peacefully in her sleep. She now joins William Lory, her husband of 53 years, who preceded her in the journey, and has surely awaited her since his death in 2006.

Born in River Rouge, Michigan, in 1934, Donna raised three children in Trenton, Michigan, eventually moving up north in 1994 to spend her twilight years on Black Lake, in the home that she and William built there.

Donna was a woman of great empathy, who had a gift for reading the emotions of others, especially the less fortunate, and meeting their need with a patient ear, a gentle hug or a warm smile. Her work as a bus monitor for Trenton Public Schools—where her duty was riding the service bus for emotionally challenged students—was probably her greatest source of pride and enjoyment.

More comfortable around a campfire than at a fine hotel, Donna instilled in her family a love for the simple life. She thrived on family gatherings, where her skills at pinochle, euchre and cribbage left her seldom on the losing side—except when she played with her grandchildren. Somehow they always won.

Donna Lory is survived by her three children: Daniel and his wife Harumi, Geoffrey and his wife Beth, and Josette and her husband John. She was graced with five grandchildren—Randall, Nicole, Jenna, Erika, and Hiroki—and one great-grandchild, Juniper Aletta.

The family asks that you remember Donna by extending a smile and a warm hug to those who need it.

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