Donna Marie Watko

Donna Marie Watko, 88, of Tallmadge, Ohio, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, leaving behind a family forever shaped by her love, laughter, and sparkle.

Born on April 2, 1937, in Detroit, Michigan, Donna was the daughter of Leanora Steward (Carless) and Edward Doyle. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 37 years, Raymond Watko; her sister Sharon Downs; her half-brother Dale Doyle; and her companion Bobby Thomas.

Donna’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She is survived by her daughters, Sherrie (Gary) Shields and Amy (Randy) Bennett; grandchildren Cory (Lauren) Shields, Sara (Madushan) Abeysinghe, Jami (Chris) Dean, and Nicole (Joey) Miller; and her dear friend Bill Horsfall. She was the heart of her family—the matriarch, the connector of generations, and the keeper of traditions.

A cosmetologist and instructor by trade, Donna never stopped creating beauty. Whether through painting, sewing, gardening, cooking, or styling hair and nails in her famous “basement salon,” she made the world around her brighter. Her paintings hang proudly in the homes of her children and grandchildren, each one a reminder that creativity was her calm and her joy.

Donna believed that food was love—and she proved it daily. From pierogi and city chicken to rainbow Jell-O, shrimp cocktail, and magical holiday spreads, she fed everyone generously and often. Christmas at Donna’s was nothing short of enchanting, and birthdays were never forgotten—especially because she personally called each family member every year to sing “Happy Birthday.”

Known for her honesty, warmth, and impeccable glamour, Donna approached life with resilience, grace, and a sense of humor that made even hard moments lighter. She loved sparkle, bright lipstick, blue eyeshadow, fabulous outfits, and always showing up as herself—unapologetically and beautifully.

The family extends deep gratitude to Danbury Senior Living and CorsoCare Hospice for their compassionate care.

Donna will be laid to rest at Western Reserve Cemetery in a private family ceremony. A Celebration of Life will be held, at a later date, to honor a woman who loved deeply, lived joyfully, and made everyone around her feel endlessly welcome.

Services in the care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory, 628 W. Main St. Kent, OH 44240.