Donna Sandra Lee Howland

February 26, 1939 - November 15, 2020

Donna Sandra Lee Howland, 81, of Traverse City passed away on Sunday, November 15, 2020 at Munson Medical Center. Donna Caswell was born on February 26, 1939 in Greenville, Michigan to the late Ray and Violet (Shoemaker) Caswell. Growing up on her grand-parents farm in Greenville, Donna developed a love for the outdoors; spending time with her brothers playing in the woods and along the riverbank of the farm. Caring for the horses, chickens and animals on the farm led to a life-long love of many pets. She married the love of her life, Donald Howland, on October 24, 1959 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Together they raised their son Don, Jr. Donna was the loveable “Lunch Lady” to many kids of Northview School District in Grand Rapids. Moving to Traverse City in 1984, her career in food service continued. She became a manager of the deli counter for Oleson’s Food Stores. Though she did not like to travel she would follow Don anywhere. For many years they would travel to Toronto to attend the theater, at one point, seeing The Phantom of the Opera ten years in a row. She enjoyed being beside the water, it could be an ocean, lake or river. She collected stones from countless locations. Donna is survived by her loving husband of 61 years, Don, her son Donald (Shelly) Howland, Jr., two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a brother, Mike (Betty) Caswell, a sister-in-law, Toni Hanlon, a brother-in-law, David (Nancy) Howland, a sister-in-law, Marilyn Howland as well as her beloved cat, Mandy. She was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Hanlon and a brother-in-law, Robert Howland. In lieu of flowers, those wishing, may carry on Donna’s love for animals by donating to the Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Rd. Traverse City, Michigan 49686. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Donna’s family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.