Sturtevant – Donna M. Johnson, 67, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, March 14, 2006, after a long and courageous struggle with COPD. She was born in Racine on September 15, 1938, daughter of the late James and Dora (nee: Williamson) Foley. She was a lifetime Racine resident and a graduate of St. Catherine’s High School.
Donna was a HUD Certified Occupancy Specialist, and had a long career as a property manager at L.L. Freeman Inc. She made many friends as the manager of Diamondhead Apartments from 1989-2000; and Franciscan Ministries from 2000-2002. Donna was well-traveled and well-read. She shared herself with others through her wonderful cooking, baking, sewing and knitting. Every Christmas she baked dozens of cookies for her friends and family. When she was able, she also cooked meals for Homeward Bound. She was a problem solver, and especially enjoyed finding solutions to other people’s problems. Donna enjoyed dancing, and was a member of “Guys and Dolls” square dance club. She loved to watch the sunrise every morning and tried to make the most of each day God gave her.
She will be missed by her loving children, Johnny (Donna) Udell of Racine, Dora (Roy) Gengembre of Lyons, Laureen (Chris) Wawro of East Troy, and Curtis (Cindy) Johnson of Racine, her dearest grandchildren, Jeremiah, Ryan, Joel, Jennifer, Amber, and Jake; great-grandchildren, Dade and Avery; her brothers, Robert (Erma) Foley of Sturtevant, Jerome (Myrtle Helen) Foley of Racine, James Foley of Lakewood, Colorado, and Clyde (Rosie) Foley of Wildfield, Colorado; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom Erickson of Union Grove, Doris Foley of Ocala, Florida, and Frank Tapaka of Las Vegas, Nevada; many other relatives, especially her dear niece and good freind, Barbara Proeber of Sturtevant; and many cherished friends. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Henry, Edward, and Terrance Foley; sisters, Gloria Erickson and Virginia Tapaka; sisters-in-law, Helen Foley, Mary Foley and Arlene Foley; and her dear friend, Judy Wachs.
Memorial Services for Donna will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, March 18, 2006 at 3:00pm with Rev. Pam Kerschner officiating. Family and friends are invited to visit in the funeral home beginning at 2:00pm. Memorials to Homeward Bound, Better Breathers, or Hospice Alliance have been suggested.
Very heartfelt and sincere thanks to Dr. Jim Simonds, for his genuine compassion, endless patience and gentle sense of humor. Mom loved him. Also, thanks to Dawn and Robin at Vitas Hospice, and special friend Liberty, who made mom’s final days as comfortable as possible. Finally, thank you to all her friends at Killarney Kourt, and to Barbara Proeber, for all their love and support.
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