Donna Jean Gonzalez

Donna Jean Gonzalez, a longtime resident of Shelby Township, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80.
Donna was born on January 12, 1945, in St. James, Michigan, on Beaver Island, to her parents Francis and Anna Marie Ricksgers. She spent her early childhood up north before her family moved to Detroit when she was eight years old. She graduated from Annunciation High School and went on to attend secretarial school. Donna built a career as a legal secretary, working for a law firm before joining the UAW, where she dedicated many years and retired after a long and successful tenure.
Her Catholic faith was central to her life, nurtured from her days at Annunciation High School and maintained through her long-time membership at St. Kieran Catholic Church. Donna was a devoted mother, grandmother, and sister, known for her quiet presence at home.
Donna is survived by her children, Conde (Miwako) Gonzalez and Corinne (Pete) Chavarria; her grandchildren, Conde Gonzalez, David Gonzalez, Sophia Steen, Emi Gonzalez, and Anthony Steen; and her siblings, Joseph (Donna) Ricksgers, William "Billy" Lentini, Mary Martinko, Erma Bridges, Annette Wells, and Susan (George) Dobaczewski; along with many nieces, nephews, and their children.
She was preceded in death by her son, David Gonzalez; her infant brother, Jude Ricksgers; her siblings-in-law, Steve Bridges, Bob Szyszkiewicz, Tommy Martinko, and Paul Wells; and her former spouses, Conde Gonzalez and Joe Kohn.
Visitation for Donna will be held from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Gramer Funeral Home, Diener Chapel, 48271 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Twp., MI 48317. A funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM, in-state at 9:30 AM, on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at St. Kieran Catholic Church, 53600 Mound Rd., Shelby Twp., MI 48316.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make contributions in memory of Donna may do so to Hospice of Michigan.