Donna Lee Russell

Donna Lee Russell, age 73, a treasured soul whose generosity and love knew no bounds, passed away peacefully on the 28th of November, 2025, in Howell, Michigan. Born in Detroit on the 8th of July, 1952, to the late Donald and Ruby Glaser, Donna's early years were nurtured with the kind of warmth and care that she would continue to share throughout her life.
She married her beloved George Alan Russell on the 22nd of September, 1967, in a joyful ceremony in Detroit, their shared hometown. Their love story was one of mutual respect and deep affection, a bond that endured until George's passing on the 13th of June, 2013. Together, they built a life filled with laughter and love and raised a family that grew to cherish the values they embodied.
Donna is lovingly remembered by her devoted children, George (and his wife Amy), Heather, and Andrew (and his wife Kathy); her five cherished grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter, who together delighted her days and inherited her joyous spirit. She proudly watched her family expand, celebrating each new milestone with the enthusiasm that only a loving mother and grandmother could.
Professionally, Donna served as a registered nurse for over 35 years, dedicating her life to the well-being of others. Her commitment and compassion shone through in her work with Sparrow Health Systems from where she retired but never ceased to care for those around her. Following her retirement and her husband's passing, Donna threw herself into voluntary mission work, traveling the globe on different mission trips. In Thailand, she helped rescue elephants and would bottle feed and bathe the babies. She traveled to Costa Rica where she helped take care of endangered sea turtles. Trips also included Honduras where Donna helped by caring for children in an orphanage and Louisiana where she went down utilizing her nursing skills and also helped with rebuilding homes in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. It was this selfless pursuit to help those in need and spread love that stands as a testament to her enduring faith and Christian values.
Her interests were a reflection of her love for life. A talented gardener, Donna found joy in the earth's beauty, cultivating vibrant flowers and vegetables. Her lifelong fondness for animals was apparent to all who knew her, with many beloved pets that enriched her home over the years.
Home was where Donna's heart truly lay. She relished family gatherings, often the gracious hostess at the heart of every celebration, serving up more than just delicious food but also doling out wisdom, encouragement, and undivided attention that made each family member feel special.
Words such as loving, kind, and generous are often used to describe remarkable individuals, but for those who knew Donna, these words were simply the foundation of who she was. Her warm embrace, her genuine smile, and her unshakeable belief in the goodness of people will be remembered by all who had the privilege of crossing paths with her. Whether it be out in the community or at her home church, Friends of Christ in Howell where she was active over the last several years.
Donna's legacy of love and service lives on through her family and the lives of the many she touched. She has left this world richer for her presence and remains a luminous example of a life beautifully lived, and generosity joyously given. Donna Lee Russell will be profoundly missed, forever loved and always remembered.
In accordance with Donna's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a family gathering to celebrate Donna's life in the Spring. Her family is being served by Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, MacDonald's Chapel in Howell.