Obituary of Donna Stewart

Donna Mae Brough was born in Dundee on April 22, 1942. She was the daughter of the late Donald G. and Lola I. (Balazs) Brough. Donna attended Erie Mason Schools graduating from Monroe High School in 1959. She married the love of her life, Lee Roy Stewart on May 21, 1960 in Toledo, Ohio. From this union came the birth of four children. For several years she was employed in customer service at Michigan Gas Utilities and J.C. Penney's, but her true passion was that as a homemaker. Donna loved traveling. On many occasions, she and Lee took cruises and visited all inclusive resorts. They also twice took cross country jaunts to California taking in the beauty of the countryside. Donna enjoyed entertaining. She looked forward to holiday gatherings especially enjoying Thanksgiving and Christmas. Although, Donna could be feisty she was the consummate host, opening her home to any all guests, always feeling the more the merrier when it came to entertaining. Donna maintained a meticulous yard, and she enjoyed tending to her flower gardens. Later in life she was blessed with the gift of grandchildren and it was a known fact that they could do no wrong. Donna had spent countless hours as a volunteer for Hospice of Monroe and Gabby's Ladder. Donna, age 71 of Monroe passed away at home on Saturday, April 5, 2014. In addition to her parents her passing was preceded by a sister: Barbara Stenger, a brother at birth; and a niece: Terry Lynn Standifer. To cherish her memory she leaves her beloved husband: Lee R. Stewart of LaSalle; four children: Lee (Desiree Dal Pra Dech) Stewart of Portage, Indiana, Douglas Stewart of Detour, Michigan, Donald (Kristin) Stewart of Monroe, and Beth (Brian) Murray of Monroe; six grandchildren: Ashley (Richard) Collins, Alysia Stewart, Adam Murray, Alec Stewart, Allison Stewart, and Nicholas Murray. Friends may gather from 2:00-8:00pm, Monday, April 7, 2014 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070 (formerly Bennett Funeral Services). A Celebration of Her Life will take place at 11:00am, Tuesday, April 8, 2014 also at Merkle's with Pastor Roy Southerland officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn for burial. Memorials are suggested to Promedica Hospice, Monroe Missionary Baptist Church, or Monroe County Relay for Life. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.