Donna Mae (Van Damme) Moraska

Donna Mae (Van Damme) Moraska was born to Francis and Margaret Van Damme of St. Nicholas, Michigan, on May 17th, 1951. The oldest of six children, Donna began what was to become a long career in caregiving. She graduated from Rock High School in 1969 and completed a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing at Northern Michigan University in 1973. She excelled as a nurse for hospitals in Iron Mountain, Michigan and Menomonie, Wisconsin, before spending many years as a nurse, supervisor, and director for the Public Health Departments in Eau Claire, Dunn, and Pierce Counties in western Wisconsin. Always up for a fresh challenge, Donna completed her Master’s degree in Risk Control and Safety Management at University of Wisconsin-Stout in mid-life, and went on to serve as the Director of Infection Control at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. As dedicated as Donna was to her professional life, she was fiercely committed to her family and friends. She was a strong role model and mentor to her siblings, the beloved wife of Ronald Bruce Moraska for nearly 50 years, and the endlessly proud mother of two daughters. She was a passionate traveler, enjoying many adventures with family and friends and following her daughters in their international studies and field work. She was forever curious about what was around the next bend. Nicknamed “Sunshine” by her husband, she loved sitting in the sun, being active outdoors, gardening and canning, socializing, sewing, dancing, eating chocolate, and playing and reading with her granddaughters and great-nieces and nephews. She will be remembered for her vibrant smile, bright mind, boundless energy and work ethic, and strength and generosity of spirit.

She is survived by her loving husband: Ronald Moraska and daughters: Brenda (Toben) Lafrancois and Amanda (Bradley) Benson, granddaughters: Josephine Lafrancois and Gabriella and Ava Benson, mother: Margaret Van Damme, and admiring siblings: Joe Van Damme, Tony (Mary) Van Damme, Rita (Bill) Short, Beverly (John) Gaudette, and Jim (Lori) Van Damme.

She is preceded in death by her father: Francis Van Damme and several dear friends.

The family will receive relatives and friends at St. Michael Catholic Church, Marquette, on Saturday, February 11th, 2023, beginning at 11:00 am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 pm concelebrated by Rev. Greg Heikkala and Rev. Larry Van Damme.

A celebration of life and reception will follow in the Parish Center.

Spring interment will be made in the St. Nicholas Cemetery.

Donna’s family wishes to thank the skilled staff at Mill Creek Memory Care and Lake Superior Life Care and Hospice for their thoughtful and attentive caregiving during Donna’s final weeks and months, and for sharing in Ronald’s daily jokes.

In lieu of flowers, her family welcomes memorial donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family, where condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.