Donna Louise Dahlstrom

Donna Louise Dahlstrom, 69, passed away on September 28, 2025 in Marietta, Georgia after a short illness. Donna was born in Tawas City, Michigan in 1956, the first of four children of Jim and Cecilia Dubovsky. She spent her first years of school in Standish, Michigan, where her parents moved when she was a few years old. She had a lot of freedom growing up in a rural town, riding her bike around the neighborhood, exploring the woods behind her house, and frequently climbing ladders to sit on their rooftop. In 1969, the family moved to East Tawas, where she attended Tawas Area High School and excelled as a student as well as in sports. She lettered in volleyball, basketball, and softball. After graduating with the class of 1974, she eventually settled in the Tawas area, and had a number of jobs during her working years. Like her Dad, she readily took in new information and became very skilled at whatever task she was presented. Over the years, she worked at Tawas St. Joseph Hospital as an operating room technician as well as in other roles, a specialist for a local ophthalmologist, a veterinary clinic technician, and an event scheduler/concierge at the East Tawas Community Center. In whatever job she had, she became the "go-to" person for information and to get things done. During her time working at the hospital she met the love of her life, Greg, and they married in October 1990. Together, they enjoyed many activities in the community and beyond. Greg had a classic Chevy El Camino that he restored, and for many years they would travel to the St. Ignace car show to display the car and meet with friends. Later they added a 1955 Pontiac Chieftain, which they cruised in around Michigan and also took to car shows. They both were active with the Tawas Bay Players theater, Greg as an actor and Donna doing behind the scenes support such as stage work, costuming and lighting. One of their favorite gigs was playing Santa and Mrs. Claus during Christmas for kids in the community. She was an amazing cook (her baked beans and ham were famous!) and provided meals to many people and functions. Donna was a tremendous caregiver, always thinking about the welfare of others before her own, even in the face of her own health issues. She cared for her Mom and Dad during the last years of their lives, and for Greg, who had chronic health issues and passed away in 2020. For the last four years, she spent most of each year as a live-in caregiver and companion for Greg's widowed aunt in Georgia, and the two grew very close. She also loved animals, giving many rescue dogs and cats a good home and pampered lives over the years. Donna was predeceased by her husband Greg and her parents. She is survived by her sisters Judy (Randy) Kertis in New Hampshire and Sue Dubovsky in East Tawas, brother Jim (Connie) Dubovsky in Colorado, stepsons Luke (Erin) and Gabriel (Kristen) and their children, several nieces and nephews, cousins, extended family members, and her dog Scout. Interment will be at St. Joseph's cemetery in East Tawas on a date to be determined, where she will be at rest alongside Greg and her parents. In remembrance of Donna's love of animals, donations to an animal shelter/rescue facility, such as Best Friends Animal Society (https://bestfriends.org) or a similar one of your choice are welcome.