Donna Pauline Brown

Donna Brown passed away quietly at the Residences of Coffee Creek after a lengthy journey with Alzheimer's Disease.
Her charismatic life began in 1946. At age five, with a nickel borrowed from her Father, Robert Ayres, and her Mother, Olga Ayres (nee Mackenzie), she took her first pony ride in her hometown of Manhattan, NY. From that day forward, she carried a love of horses.
At age ten, her family moved from Manhattan to Chesterton, Indiana. She attended Chesterton High School, graduating in 1963, and received a nursing degree from Methodist Nursing School in Gary, IN. She began her nursing career at Porter Memorial Hospital in Valparaiso, where she met her first husband, respected local doctor, Jim Brown. They married in 1971. Donna and Jim established Shaggy Dog Farm, named after her favorite English Sheep Dogs, Muffin and Georgia. On Shaggy Dog Farm, Donna furthered her love of life and her horses.
Sharing their affection for Arabian horses, Donna and Jim cared for over twenty horses on the farm. Donna rode flat saddles, competing in national competitions. Her two favorite Arabian horses were Losun and Dorado. Under Donna's love and training, Dorado competed in many events, winning numerous ribbons and national championships. With great fanfare and fun, Donna would host occasional birthday parties for her horses, complete with bagpipers, reflecting her mother's Scottish heritage. Donna and Jim's love continued for 22 years until his passing in 1992.
A devoted daughter to her parents, she also was a dear sister and friend to her late brother Ralph Ayres, a long-standing Chesterton educator and State legislator.
In 1994, Donna met Craig Berg. They quickly became best friends, forging a companionship and marriage that spanned 30 years. Together, they enjoyed the many pleasures of life and business in Chesterton and their community of close friends. Through her journey with Alzheimer's, Craig has been her respected, compassionate, and unwavering guide and caregiver.
Horses were always Donna's passion, but she also adored her silver convertible Corvette, "Oh Donna", driving it in many local parades. She loved the sun, the beach, and the splendor of Lake Michigan. During the Porter County Air Shows, Donna was thrilled flying in the WWII B-24 as a quiet tribute to her father's service during WWII. Craig and Donna loved to travel, often heading to Scotland with friends where they always attended the bagpipe festival known as the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
Donna is survived by her loving husband, Craig, his children Danielle (Dan) and Chad (Melanie), his grandchildren, her brother Charles and his children, and a loving circle of close friends. Her infectious laugh, love of music, and joyful singing will be missed throughout our community.
The family would like to thank the Residences of Coffee Creek, the Alzheimer's Association, and Dunes Hospice for their steadfast support.
Services will be private. Arrangements in care of Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, Chesterton, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers or donations, we simply ask that you not take life for granted. Please reconnect with your family and friends, call your mom and dad, say hello to your neighbor, shake a stranger's hand, and simply let those you love know that you love them. Life is short, and tomorrow is promised to no one.
Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.