Donna Maxine Donnelly

October 7, 1940 - January 6, 2020

Donna Maxine Donnelly, 79, of Traverse City, passed away Monday, January 6, 2020 at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City. Donna was born in Genesee Township of Genesee County on Monday October 7, 1940, the daughter of Aleta (Howell) and Fred Williams Casselman. Her parents passed away when she was at a very young age and she was then adopted by Allen & Marguerite Casselman. Living in Traverse City her whole life, she graduated from Traverse City Central High School. She married the love of her life, Tim Donnelly, on October 25, 1958 in Traverse City. He preceded her in death December 14, 2013. Donna spent many years working in foster care, which she enjoyed very much. She was also employed at Cap Computer, Joann Fabrics and Holiday Inn. She loved to sew, was an avid reader, and enjoyed putting puzzles together. She enjoyed playing Bingo and Bunco with friends. She also enjoyed a game of euchre with family. As many of her family can tell you, she was a avid collector of Jim Shore Santas, salt & pepper shakers, thimbles and her utmost favorite anything to do with owls. She was a member of the Elmwood Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary. Her family will always remember her laugh. Donna enjoyed spending so much time with her family. Surviving Donna are her daughter, Sue (Terry) Wilkins of Traverse City; her daughter-in-law Deb Donnelly of Kingsley; grandchildren, Amanda, Sarah, Justin (Cassie), Allee, Scott, Josh(Lindsey), Kirt(Chelsy), Kyle (Laura); great grandchildren Hannah, Thomas, Caden, Brandon, Nathan, Gavin, and Kamrin; her sister, Dorothy Antes; sister and brother-in-laws Florence Hower, Richard Donnelly, Ellie(Don) Clark and Chris Pifer; and several very special nieces, nephews and friends. Donna was preceded in death by her husband Tim; her sons Joey and Allen, parents and adopted parents, siblings, Bob and Dick Casselman, Ruth Henry and Roberta Manville. Visitation for Donna will take place Thursday, January 9th from 4 until 7 p.m. with the Rosary being held at 7 p.m. at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, January 10th at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery. The family has asked that Donna be remembered through memorial contributions to the Elmwood Township Fire Department, 10090 E. Lincoln Road, Traverse City, MI 49684 or to Munson Hospice House, c/o Munson Regional Healthcare Foundation, 1150 Medical Campus Dr., Traverse City, MI 49684.