Racine – Donna Jane Sorensen, 87, of Mount Pleasant, formerly of Kenosha, passed away with her family by her side on Wednesday, January 22, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on October 23, 1926, in Mellen, WI, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Isabelle (nee: Ruberg) Callahan. At the tender age of four, Donna lost her beloved mother. Several years later, her father met and married Amy (nee: Rupp) Callahan and together they lovingly raised Donna.
Donna was educated in the schools of Kenosha. In her younger years, she was employed by Simmons Co., The Better Cleaners, and Benson Oil Co. Later, her most rewarding job would be to raise her children.
On May 7, 1955, she married Louis E. Sorensen. Sadly, after many years together the marriage ended in divorce. From the marriage came the joy of Donna’s life, her children, whom she lovingly adored.
Donna enjoyed singing and had the voice of an angel. She also enjoyed reading and family trips up north. Donna had an incredible sense of humor and her family loved her story telling ability. Above all things, she adored her family and treasured the time spent with her children and grandchildren, all who meant the world to her. Donna will be dearly missed. God is watching over you, we know because we asked him to. We love you mom!
Donna was extremely proud of her Irish heritage and loved all things Irish. “Erin Go Bragh.”
Irish Blessing
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Donna leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Colleen Koderca of Racine, Kathy (René) Haebig, Laurie Sorensen, Maureen Sorensen, all of Mount Pleasant, Patrick (Lisa) Sorensen of Princeton, WI, Timothy Sorensen of Kenosha, very special son, Sean Sorensen of Mount Pleasant; grandchildren, Dan Koderca, Jr., Chris Koderca, Adam Haebig, Ryan Haebig, Chad Haebig, Rachel Leese, Kelly (Jay) Hefferon, Erik (Jodie) Sorensen, Thorin Sorensen, Bailey Sorensen; seven great-grandchildren, including her little angel, Trent Koderca; brothers, William (Jane) Callahan of Madison, John (Elinore) Callahan of Bristol, Chuck (Nancy) Callahan, Tom (Gereene) Callahan, both of Kenosha; sisters, Rosemary (Bob) Paske of Lake St. Louis, MO, Colleen (Peter Verstegen) Callahan of Hudson, WI; sister-in-law, Patsy Callahan of Kenosha; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends too numerous to mention.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by infant daughter, Mary; infant brother Jack; brothers, Timothy Callahan, and Patrick Callahan.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, January 27, 11:00am, at St. Lucy Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Avenue, Racine, with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2014, 4:00pm until 7:00pm, at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 4600 County Line Road, Racine. Visitation will continue at church on Monday from 10:00am until the time of the service. Entombment will follow services on Monday at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park.
The family would like to extend a heart-felt “Thank You” to Nurse Amber, Nurse Amy, Dr. Mario Garretto, Dr. Kirk Ludwig, Dr. Paul Ritch, and the wonderful staff of Heartland Hospice for the compassionate care that Donna received throughout her illness. May God bless each of you for all of your wonderful work.
Becca Williams says
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother, Laurie. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
Anonymous says
Once upon a memory
Someone wiped away a tear
Held us close and loved us
Thank You Mother Dear
Anonymous says
You can only have one mother
Patient kind and true;
No other friend in all the world,
Will be the same to you.
When other friends forsake you,
To mother you will return,
For all her loving kindness,
She asks nothing in return.
As we look upon her picture,
Sweet memories we recall,
Of a face so full of sunshine,
And a smile for one and all.
Sweet Jesus, take this message,
To our dear mother up above,
Tell her how we miss her,
And give her all our love.
We love and miss you so very much.
Love,
Your Children
Anonymous says
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me
When tomorrow starts without me
and I am not here to see…
If the sun should rise and find your
eyes filled with tears for me,
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry
the way you did today…
while thinking of the many things
we didn’t get to say.
I know how much you love me,
as much as I love you…
And each time you think of me,
I know you’ll miss me too.
But when tomorrow starts without me,
please try to understand…
That Jesus came and called my name
and took me by the hand,
And said my place was ready
in Heaven far above…
And that I’d have to leave behind
all those I dearly love.
So when tomorrow starts without me,
don’t think we’re far apart…
For every time you think of me,
I’m right here in your heart.
I LOVE YOU ALL!
Love,
Mom
Tammy Bonner says
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Anonymous says
Dear Mom [Donna],
Of all the mother-in-laws anywhere
there could never be,
A mother-in-law more special
than you were to me.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of you and your family.
I miss and love you very much!
Your Son-in-law,
Rene
Anonymous says
GRANDMA
Her smile is gone forever
and her hand we cannot touch
We still have so many memories
Of the one we loved so much.
Her memory is now our keepsake
Which with we’ll never part.
God has her in his keeping
We have her in our hearts.
WE MISS YOU GRANDMA!
May you find peace and happiness
along Heavens Irish Road
Always in our prayers, Forever in our hearts
Love,
Your Grandchildren
Christy Hinz says
Dear Laurie and family,
Myself and Paula Irmo are thinking of you and your family. By reading the nice article in the newspaper we are sure that your mother led a busy life and everyone that knew her has great memories.
You are in our minds and hearts.
Love, Christy Hinz & Paula Irmo and families
Duane Hill & Family says
We’re very sorry about the loss of your mom & grandmother. May she rest in peace.
Anonymous says
Things we feel most deeply
Are the hardest things to say
Dearest Mom, We loved you
In a very special way
If we could have one lifetime wish
One dream that could come true
We’d pray to God with all our hearts
For yesterday and you.
With All Our Love,
Pat, Colleen, Kathy, Laurie, Tim,
Maureen and Sean
Anonymous says
Dear Mom,
No hand so soft and gentle
No heart so tender, true
No sorrow life could bring us
Could equal losing you.
We love and miss you so very much!
Anonymous says
Gentle, unselfish, a friend ever true
Our greatest possession,
Grandma, was you.
Our hearts ache for you!
Love and miss you so,
Your Grandchildren
Anonymous says
While you, dear Grandma, rest and sleep
Your loving memory, we’ll always keep..
Love,
Your Grandchildren
Anonymous says
To My Brothers and Sisters,
Our mother is gone from our sight but will remain forever in our hearts. We’ll face each new day and any challenges that may arise together.
We were truly blessed to be able to call that wonderful woman, MOTHER!
We’ll love and miss her each and every day of our lives. Until we meet again, her memory will keep her close.
Love,
Kathy
Anonymous says
If you were lucky enough to know Donna,
You were lucky enough!
Mike, Pam, Nic & Anna Callahan says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of loss.
Anonymous says
Her quote; bye, love ya, see you in the morning, drive slow and safe!
Anonymous says
Donnka, donnka, doooughnut!
Right on!!!
Anonymous says
Somewhere beyond the sunset every now and then, I pray she watches over us until we meet again. She meant so much to all of us, forgive us for our fears, life will never be the same without her presence here. We love and miss you so very much!
Love,
Your Children
Anonymous says
To My Dear Children,
As I watch you each day from Heaven above, please know that I miss you and I’m sending my love.
I will love you always and forever!
Love,
Mom
Anonymous says
An Irish heart is silent now,
Life’s journey had to end,
Good needed you for reasons,
We on earth can’t comprehend,
Until the day we meet again,
On this you can depend,
Your Irish eyes are smiling,
Just around the bend.
Always in our prayers, Forever in our hearts!
Love,
Pat, Colleen, Kathy
Laurie, Tim, Maureen,
Sean
Anonymous says
Jesus take this message to
our mother up above,
Tell her that we miss her
and give her all our love.
Love,
Your Children
Anonymous says
The tears I shed I hope you know, are shed because I miss you so.
Love and miss you so very much!
Sean
Anonymous says
My heart aches for the mother I love and miss so very much.
Her memory will remain forever in my heart.
Love
Kathy
Anonymous says
To My Family,
Pennies from Heaven I’ll send to you,
As I lovingly watch all you do.
So look for them both day and night,
Each time you find one you’ll know I’m alright.
I love and miss you all!
Love,
Mom
Anonymous says
Dear Mom,
Thanks for all the sharing and caring,
Thanks for all that you’ve done.
Your life here has ended,
Heaven’s journey has just begun.
Love,
Pat, Colleen, Kathy, Rene,
Laurie, Tim, Maureen, Sean
Anonymous says
I miss you Mom!
Love,
Sean XO
Anonymous says
Dear Mom,
Life goes on we know that’s true,
But we’ll never stop missing you.
We loved you from the very start,
Your memory will live forever in our hearts.
Love,
Pat, Colleen, Kathy, Rene,
Laurie, Tim, Maureen, Sean
Kathy says
Dear Mom,
How very much you’re missed
We think you somehow know,
For, we feel you beside us
No matter where we go.
To be reminded of you
We don’t have to go that far,
For, every night we see your face
In every shining star.
As every moment passes by
Now that Christmas time is here,
We’ll be thinking of the joy we shared
At this special time of year.
Our First Christmas Without You…
Miss You So…
Love,
Pat, Lisa, Colleen, Kathy, Rene,
Laurie, Tim, Maureen, Sean
Kathy says
Dear Mom,
Missing You At Christmas
Every day without you,
Since you had to go
Is like summer without sunshine,
And winter without snow.
I wish that I could talk to you,
There’s so much I would say,
Life has changed so very much
Since you went away.
I miss the bond between us,
And I miss your kind support,
You’re in my mind and in my heart,
And every Christmas thought.
I’ll always feel you close to me,
And though you’re far from sight,
I’ll search for you among the stars
That shine on Christmas night.
I Miss You So Very Much, Mom!!
I Love You, Kathy
Anonymous says
Our Mother, Our Angel…
We Miss you…
Love,Your Children
Kathy says
I am the daughter of an angel…
I love and miss you so, Mom!!
Always in my prayers, Forever in my heart…
Kathy says
Dear Santa,
My Christmas list is short this year,
I’m sure that you can see,
The only thing I really want,
Is my mother here with me.
Christmas Without You…
Kathy says
Mom,
Although you’re in our thoughts each day throughout the year, at special times like Christmas, we all wish you could be here.
Merry Christmas….2014
We love and miss you so!
Love, Your Children
Kathy says
Dear Mom,
One year ago today…
I watched you suffer,
I saw you die,
But all I could do, was sit close by.
You went away, we had to part,
God eased your pain,
But broke my heart….
I miss you so much!
Love,
Kathy
January 22nd. 2014…was the saddest day of my life!
Adam, Ryan, Chad says
WE MISS YOU GRANDMA!!
10-23-1926 to 01-22-2014
ALWAYS IN OUR PRAYERS, FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS.
Donna's Fa says
Donna's Family says
January 22nd. 2014….was the saddest day of our lives! We lost everything when we lost you! Miss You!!
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