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Madonna M. Brindel

MARQUETTE, MI – Donna Mae (Riopelle) Brindel, age 83, of Marquette, entered eternal life on December 8, 2016 at the D. J. Jacobetti Home for Veterans, in the loving care of her family.

Born October 11, 1932 in Marquette, a daughter of Andrew and Sadie (Shea) Riopelle she was a lifelong resident of Marquette. Donna had a variety of jobs over the years including as operator at Michigan Bell and cashier at the corner store. Her greatest accomplishment though was as wife, mother and grandmother. Donna always had a kind word and smile for everyone she met. She met the love of her life, Jim Brindel, at a dance in West Branch and, on May 30, 1953, the couple was married. They felt fortunate to have spent 63 wonderful years together. Family was very important to Donna and he was very close to all her relatives, especially niece, Lorraine Smith, nephew, Charles Hawes, and the extended O’Donnell Family. She was fortunate to have many loving and supportive relatives living in this area, as well as many in other states. She considered her grandson, James, to be the blessing of her life. In her leisure, Donna enjoyed spending time with her close extended family and friends, and playing penny slots at the casino.

A loving wife, devoted mother and grandmother, Donna is survived by son Scott Brindel of Marquette, daughter, Sari Brindel of Antioch, IL; her grandson, James Costello of Chicago, IL; a sister-in-law, Rose Brindel of Milwaukee, WI; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jim and sisters, Ruth (Clarence) Hawes, Helen (Grant) Guidebeck-Flugstad and Rita (Donald) O’Donnell and brothers Andrew “Jody” (Mary Catherine Margerm) Riopelle and Donald Riopelle.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to the many medical professionals for the care they provided, especially Dr. Bartlett and his associates, Vicky and Racheal, who took such wonderful care of Donna. Thanks also to the kind and caring staff at the Jacobetti Home for Veterans for making her stay as comfortable as possible and the health care professionals at U.P. Home Health and Hospice for treating Donna and family with dignity and compassion.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the Swanson-Lundquist Funeral Home on Saturday, December 10, beginning at 12:30 pm until the time of the service at 2:00 pm Saturday afternoon. Rev. Msgr. Michael Steber will officiate.

A dessert reception will follow in the reception room located at the funeral home. Interment will be made in the West Branch Township Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed online at swansonlundquistfunerlhome.com.