Name: Visitation for Maryann Sexton
Start: 2016-02-20T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-02-21T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory

Maryann V. (Donner) Sexton

Born: March 21, 1947 in Oshkosh, WI

Died: February 9, 2016, Iowa City, IA

Maryann V. (Donner) Sexton, 68, of Iowa City, IA, passed away on February 9, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was the daughter of the late Harry and Sylvia (Schwichtenberg) Donner.

Maryann is survived by her children, Jeffrey (Kathy) Sexton of Greenfield, IN, Christopher (Jody) Sexton of Geneva, IL, Katherine (Jason) Rees of Norwalk, IA, and Jennifer (Trevor) Bollers of North Liberty, IA; their dad, her friend and first love; Stephen Sexton of Iowa City, IA; her sisters, Carol (Donner) Puglia of Fox Lake, IL, Sister M. Suzanne Donner of Springfield, IL, and Jacqueline (Donner) Peters of Crystal Lake, IL; her brother, Neal Donner of Cary, IL; her God Children, Carla Puglia of Fox Lake, and Greg Fues of Arlington, TX; her grandchildren, Sydney, Caleb, Riley, Hannah, TJ, Charlie, Teagan, Cameron, Texton, and Tarissa; her best friend, Helen (Sexton) Bennett of Bellevue, TX; and several wonderful nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James Kelly; her parents, Harry and Sylvia (Schwichtenberg) Donner; her brother, Jerome Donner; and her brother-in-law, Michael Puglia.

Maryann was born on March 21, 1947 in Oshkosh, WI. She graduated from Crystal Lake High School in 1965, and later continued her education at Michigan State University earning certifications in Master Gardening and Nursery Operations. Maryann spent many years working and perfecting her skills in Retail Management at firms such as Seifert's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hanes, Costco, and Sexton Shoes. Her most recent occupation was as a receptionist with Professional Property Management in West Des Moines, IA.

Maryann was a wonderful cook, and always made the holidays so special with her goodies and well planned dinners. She enjoyed making visits to her grandchildren for their birthdays and sporting events, and would always make them feel very special. She was an active and dedicated volunteer at the St. Louis Botanical Center, as well as numerous Animal Shelters in cities she lived in throughout the years.

A celebration of Life is scheduled for Saturday, February 20th at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave., (Rte 176), Crystal Lake, IL. Visitation hours are from 2:00 - 6:00 pm, with a memorial service following at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and other support staff at Emerson Point, Iowa City Hospice, and the University of Iowa's Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, for their dedication and support over the past year.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Northwest Herald on Feb. 12, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Maryann Sexton

Sponsored by Davenport Family Funeral Home - Crystal Lake - Crystal Lake.

14 Entries

Sister Suzanne

February 6, 2022

I miss you Maryann! I continue my prayers for you and your family. Love Always!

Sister Suzanne Donner,OP

February 6, 2021

Maryann continues to help me spiritually when planting my gardens at Jubilee Farm. She always knew how to plant and take care of her gardens. She has helped me along the way. I learned much from her. Sister Suzanne

Sister Suzanne Donner

February 5, 2020

One of the things I would like to say about Maryann is I always looked forward to her challenges in her conversations with you. There were times when she was right about what she was trying to get across to you and times when I questioned what she was saying. I truly miss those times because I knew that she cared about you and your life stories. I miss her very much...........Love, Your sis, Sister Suzanne

February 18, 2016

I am so sad to hear of Maryann's passing. She was an euthusiastic, positive influence on the staff at Sun Prairie. She will be missed.

Keith Denner

Helen/John Bennett

February 17, 2016

Sadness consumes all who loved Maryann and deeply feel her passing; yet we treasure all the joyful memories we are blessed to have of her. Her spirit lives on!

martha Schermann

February 16, 2016

Maryann was a good friend and devoted volunteer. She will be greatly missed by all of the staff at LREC and the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Martha M. Schermann

February 15, 2016

She was my sister and friend. We had many good times together, with much laughter along the way. She will be missed by many, especially the Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois. All 200 Sisters send their love and prayers to you and your family.

"Love You, Mare!"

Your sister/Sister,

Sister Suzanne

Dave Furneaux

February 15, 2016

I recruited Maryann to work at Sun Prairie. She was so fun and a positive presence when anyone walked in the door. We became friends and enjoyed reminiscing about her early years in Germany with Army while I had later years in Pacific. She is mourned by so many that worked with her and that she helped get set up to live there. God bless you Maryann.

February 12, 2016

We extend heartfelt condolences to family and friends in the passing of Maryann. It grieves the heart to lose a dear loved one. May treasured memories comfort and strengthen you during this difficult time.

Arleen Klug

February 12, 2016

Maryann will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, a smile that reflected her inner beauty and loving soul. Deepest condolences to her loving family.

Jill sciortino

February 12, 2016

Steve and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Maryann's passing. Your family is In my thoughts and prayers God Bless you.

Joe Munda

February 11, 2016

Our prayers are with you and your family at this time. God Bless Maryann and the Sexton family, may she rest in peace.

Kirk and Lanie and kids Goslee

February 11, 2016

Our deepest condolences and love to you all. We are so blessed to have met her and spent some birthdays of Charlie and Cameron and holidays with her. The most beautiful smile we've ever seen.