Donna Lee Chika

Donna Lee Chika, 82, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, after a decade long battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Born on June 10, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, Donna was a graduate of Southfield High School, Class of 1961. Donna met her husband, John, on a blind date at the Big Boy restaurant on Woodward. He won her over with his wit, they married, and moved to Royal Oak to raise their two daughters.

Donna was a stay-at-home mom, always involved with her kids' school events and activities, and was an expert at Halloween costumes. She was talented in many ways, from writing, drawing, painting, and organizing and decorating an annual "Renaissance Christmas Feaste" held in Royal Oak, to making stained glass art with John, traveling to art fairs around the state to sell their work. Donna and John were among the founding members of the Royal Oak Arts Council. Donna was funny, animated, talked with her hands like a true Italian, and wasn't afraid to make a goofy face for a laugh. She could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, always smiling, friendly, and talkative. She loved collecting antiques, and was skilled at refinishing furniture. After a nature walk, Donna would come home with pockets full of feathers, pretty rocks, and mossy sticks. Chances are, they became a hanging mobile by dinner. Donna loved taking long road trip vacations around the country with her family, visiting many National Parks and interesting and fun destinations over the years.

Once her girls were grown, Donna and John moved to Clarkston, Michigan, to enjoy life on a small lake. Donna loved being "gramma" to her two grandchildren during those lake years. When John retired, he and Donna moved to their dream home in a beautiful, natural area of Loudon, Tennessee. Donna loved walking together on the paths through the area, taking photos, and watching sunsets. After the loss of her beloved John after 52 years, Donna returned to Michigan to live the "loft life" in downtown Royal Oak with her daughter. Donna enjoyed exploring Royal Oak, visiting the Farmers Market, going for walks, and taking in the view from the balcony of her loft. Her final years were lived with the assistance of a memory care community, where she was dearly loved by residents and staff.

Donna was a fun, pretty, smart, classy, artistic, loving, stubborn, wonderful mother and friend, whose smile was a gift to all who knew her. She will be truly missed.

Loving mother of Jill Faulkner and Jane Chika. Caring grandmother of Julia Fitzgerald and Evan Fitzgerald (Sandra). Dear sister of Dolores Laster (Ed), Cary Febbraro (Mary), and Tom Febbraro. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband John Chika, and her parents Amelia and Arthur Febbraro.

Private family services will be held.

Memorial Tributes to Alzheimer's Association.