1931
2017
Donna Lee Michaels
July 30, 1931 - March 11, 2017
Salem - Donna Lee Michaels, 85, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2017 in Salem, OR with her family by her side.
The youngest of five children, Donna was born in California to Ernest and Olive Bruce. At the age of three, the family moved to Jefferson OR, then Salem OR, where she later met and married Jack Michaels on August 22, 1952, enjoying 64 years together.
Donna worked at the Marion Hotel, and then The Statesman Journal newspaper, in the circulation department, retiring in 1989.
She enjoyed outdoor activities, including boating and camping at their Three Rivers property at Lake Billy Chinook. She also enjoyed gardening, reading and attending car shows with their 1968 Ford Torino, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with family.
Always putting others first, Donna was compassionate, caring and always there to help. Despite her petite size, she was a fighter with determination and had a way with words. She will truly be missed, but never forgotten, especially her contagious laugh.
Donna is survived by her husband Jack, daughter Darla Biasi, son Larry Michaels (Nancy), grandsons Tony Biasi and Kevin Michaels, great-grandson Vance Biasi and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings.
Please join us for a gathering of family and friends to celebrate her life on Monday March 27, 2017, anytime between 2 and 4pm, at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service. No Service to follow.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.
3 Entries
Darla and family, I was saddened to hear of your mom's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all today and always. Take care. Pam Clarke
Pam Clarke
March 27, 2017
I have so many fond memories of Donna and the entire Michaels family, our the Grewe' s former Estate Court neighbors. It was she who enabled my brother Greg and I to find employment as young teenagers at the Marion hotel and thus set us on a path of strong work ethic throughout the years. I will always remember Mrs. Michaels beautiful smile, warmth and wonderful sense of humor. May god bless she and the entire Michaels family. My warmest regards, Colin Grewe
Colin Grewe
March 27, 2017
I will always miss my Aunt Donna. All family gatherings occurred at her house. She was a petite little woman that many people made the mistake of underestimating. Her heart was a big as her loyalty. It didn't matter if you were "officially" related - she made you one of her own. I will miss our many years worth of lunches at Sybil's - she loved catching up on all the news &, naturally, insisted on paying. We miss you so much already.
Gloria Andrews
March 22, 2017
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