Donna Jean Rowland

1939 - 2023

Age 83, of Alma, passed away Tuesday, February 14, 2023, at Masonic Pathways in Alma. She was born on April 13, 1939, in Detroit, the daughter of David and Elizabeth Sweeney. She attended Cadillac elementary school and Cooley High School in Detroit. Donna graduated from Alma College in the afternoon, June 10, 1961, with a BA degree in teaching and married Jim Rowland of Stockbridge, later that same day in the Alma College Chapel by Dean of Religion, Ross Miller. Jim was also an Alma graduate in 1959. The love of marriage has lasted for 62 wonderful years. She taught for 5 years at Carrie Knause School in St. Louis, at the elementary level and parttime in the Alma Public Schools for 6 years. In 1968, at the age of 29, Donna was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and in 1982, at the age of 43, entered Wilcox Nursing Home in Alma. After Wilcox was sold, she entered the nursing facility at Warwick Living Center in Alma in 2008. In 2021, Donna moved to Masonic Pathways until she passed in 2023. Donna was president of the Alpha Theta Sorority at Alma College, Bruske House Treasurer, Panhellenic Council, A.W.S., A.C.A., Intramurals, member of the First Presbyterian Church in Alma, serving on various church groups. She enjoyed following the Detroit Tigers, watching various game shows on tv. Donna loved crafts and creating her own style of individual collages from word/pictures from old greeting cards. She handed these out to everyone she came in contact with a smile and puns that went along with her happy approach. Donna was gifted with a quick wit that allowed her to make up puns and jokes on the spot. She loved to make other people Laugh. Her strength amazed those around her. Donna was loved by all. She never complained about her physical situation, she choose to spread love rather than hold a grudge. She loved to rub peoples backs, liked talking to everyone, cared about her hair and clothes/jewelry, loved to dance, listen to music (keeping time with physical head-nods/arm movements), and eating "chocolate" grams and M & Ms. Donna is survived by her husband Jim Rowland, sister Pat (David) Hubbard, son Scott (Julie) Rowland, daughters Janna Rowland, Leeanne (Aaron) Black, grandchildren Brianna and Blake Rowland and Sydney Schultz. Per Donna's wishes, her body has been donated to the University of Michigan. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Alma. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Lux-Moody-Wolfel Funeral Home, Alma. To view Donna's obituary or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.luxfuneralhomes.com.