Donna Mae Clarke
Donna Mae Clarke
CHOCOLAY TOWNSHIP, MI – Donna Mae Clarke, age 85, of Chocolay Township, entered eternal life Saturday evening, September 28, 2019, at home, in the loving, comforting care of her family and caregivers of Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice.
Born June 9, 1934, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, a daughter of Lloyd and Myrtle (Anderson) Duer, Donna was raised in Milwaukee until the age of twelve when the family moved to Marquette. One of her earliest employments was as a waitress at the Coffee Cup Cafe. On her birthday, June 9, 1956, Donna was united in marriage to Richard Clarke in Manistique. The couple made their home in Marquette where they raised a family. For over thirty years, Donna provided child day care services to numerous children. She is still remembered by the children and their parents for her caring and compassion. Donna was a founding and active member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month. Her hobbies and interests included spending time with family, friends, and the Tourville waterbabies, participating in church activities, and baking.
Donna is survived by her husband of 63 years, Richard Clarke; her children, James (Joanne) Clarke, Kristine (Wendell) Miller, and Jacki Clarke all of Marquette, and Jill (Tim) Lane of Fredonia, KY; six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and two great great-grandchildren; her siblings, Randy (Sally) Duer of Marquette and Sandy (Frank) Hayek of Sheboygan, WI; a sister-in-law, Esther Chartier of Trenary; many nieces and nephews; and numerous daycare grandchildren from her thirty year career, and their parents, all of whom she considered family.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Myrtle; two infant children; brother Eugene and wife, Lillian, Duer, brother, Gary Duer, and sister, Sharon and husband, Larry, Kleckner.
The family would like to especially thank the caregivers of Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, particularly Annette and Lisa for their compassionate, professional, and supportive care of Donna. Special thanks also to Gail Schneider, Donna “daughter of heart” who was always there whenever needed. You all went above and beyond for Donna, Richard, and family, and your many kindnesses will always be remembered.
The family will receive relatives and friends at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church on Thursday, October 3, beginning at 12:00 noon until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Don Ludemann will officiate. Per Donna’s request, an ice cream social will follow. Interment will be made in the Prince of Peace Memorial Garden.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice, 914 W. Fair Avenue, Marquette, MI 49855; Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 555 Riverside Road, Marquette, MI 49855; or Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp, 138 Fortune Lake Camp Road, Crystal Falls, MI 49920.
Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswanson hansen.com.