Dona Elaine Maxfield

Dona Elaine Katharina Maxfield, aged 66, a cherished educator, devoted wife, and loving mother and grandmother, passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026, in St. Joe, Michigan. Born in Lampertheim, Germany, on January 19, 1960, Dona was the beloved daughter of Donald Flenner Sr. and the late Selma (Kiefer) Mandly. Her warmth and guiding presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Dona's heart was as full as her life, which gathered together a beautiful family including her husband, James Maxfield, her daughters, Sarah (William Cole) Pifer and Laura (Aaron Sulla) Potts, her step-daughters, Kimberly (Nick) Williams and Jennifer Caster, her grandchildren, Emma, Dorothy, Nicholas, Brendan, Anthony, Kaitlyn, and Matthew, as well as her brother, Donald (Bonnie) Flenner, her sister, Deborah (Jim) Potts, and her half-sister Laura Flenner Lichtenfels. She found profound joy in her family's accomplishments and nurtured each relationship with attention and love that blossomed into strong, enduring bonds.

For nearly two decades, Dona's passion for teaching and commitment to her students shined brightly in Hillsdale, Michigan, where she taught engineering and robotics. Dona's enthusiasm for mentoring aspiring minds, coupled with her dedication to fostering a love for discovery and innovation, left an indelible mark on the lives of numerous students. She was not only an educator but also a role model, whose influence inspired many young individuals to pursue their dreams with diligence and courage.

An active and adventurous soul, Dona relished the great outdoors-whether it was basking in the sun at Myrtle Beach during the spring breaks, camping in Tekonsha, or simply enjoying the warmth of a campfire with loved ones. Her love for nature was matched only by her fondness for the laughter, stories, and memories shared around the fire's glow.

A celebration of life will be held for Dona at Venue 8 in Hillsdale, Michigan, on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Family and friends are invited to visit from 2:00pm till 5:30pm, with a remembrance service beginning at 5:30pm.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Dona Elaine Katharina Maxfield will be remembered for her unwavering kindness, her contagious zest for life, and her remarkable ability to touch the hearts of those around her. She taught us to cherish the simple pleasures of life, to nurture the potential in each other, and to always reach for the stars. Her spirit will continue to guide us, like the North Star in the vast canvas of the night sky-ever steady, ever bright.