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Message from the Family

Thank you for your support during this difficult time. As you know, Donna loved storytelling, in words, pictures, and song. Please enhance our eternal tribute to her by adding your own stories to the Guest Book.

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This is something that I read at Donna's funeral service. She kept it in her bible and she read it to me a few times.

Affirmation
Joyce relaford brown

I am becoming the woman I've wanted
grey at the temples,
soft body, delighted,
cracked up by the life with a laugh that's known bitter
but, past it, got better,
knows she's a survivor-
that whatever comes, she can outlast it.
I am becoming the woman I've longed for,
the motherly lover with arms strong and tender,
the grown up daughter

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Posted by: Lori Garrison - Indianapolis, IN - sister   Dec 04, 2011

The best times with my mom weren't the parties (though they were fun) or the milestones (though they were special). I spent a lot of time in my life with my head on the inside of her shoulder, listening to her read or sing to me, or listening to my own voice or tears as she held me tight. She knew I wasn't very open with my emotions and she never pressed. She was always so present, so constant and

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Posted by: Kim - Carmel, IN - Daughter   Nov 19, 2011

Donna wasn't just a sister to me. She was a mother when mine couldn't be. She was a friend whenever I needed one, She was a protective big sister to each and every one of her siblings. She was my champion encouraging me to reach higher, and show the world what I am capable of. She was my biggest fan never letting me settle for less than I deserved. She was my cheerleader telling me good job when she knew

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Posted by: Lori Garrison - Indianapolis, IN - sister   Nov 16, 2011

Donna was a sweet kind soul, to know her was to love her, she was always smiling even while ill , She used to call me her seester :) I can still hear her say just that....I feel very blessed I was able to know her, I am very sad for her loss and for her family's loss, I know its difficult but I have to think her job here on earth was done , she has a much bigger

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Posted by: Shannon Drinkut-Wright - Indianapolis, IN - Friend   Nov 16, 2011

And the Lord said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
For a wonderful and gracious woman, the angels above received a blessed soul. May her family find peace and healing in this most difficult of times.


Posted by: Candi Grismer - Greenwood, IN - Friend   Nov 16, 2011

Donna was nice and funny and she was a great Mom to my niece, Kim. She'll be missed.


Posted by: Nina Berkey Seven - Seattle, WA - sister-in-law   Nov 15, 2011

Donna was the best big sister. She watched out for me all my life. When we were little we would talk in bed when we were supposed to be going to sleep. We did everything t together. We worked at Jawns together. One day she fainted and fell into the trash can.lol Her and Todd took me to lots concerts I wouldnt have seen other wise. She was smart loving and very protective. The best big sister I could ever

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Posted by: Debbie - McAlester, OK - Sister   Nov 15, 2011

My heart breaks to hear this news and my prayers are with the family. Although I only knew Donna the past few years it seemed I knew her forever. We often chatted about family and her past experiences she had teaching and history of Columbus. She often gave me advice mothering my children and even bought my daughter some chunky crayons after she choked at grandma's on regular ones. Everytime I came into the office she would ask me to

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Posted by: Tammy Love - Elizabethtown, IN - friend   Nov 15, 2011

I will always remember Donna taking care of me when I was sick. When she lived in Kendalville and Lori and I stayed with her during the summer, I got so sick that she gave me a bell to ring when I needed her. She was afraid she wouldn't hear me down stairs. She is the one who made sure I had glasses when I needed them, or anything else she knew I needed.
Heaven must have needed another angel, because I know she got a bright pair of wings. I will miss my sister.


Posted by: Tina Darst - Broken Arrow, OK - Sister   Nov 15, 2011

Donna is my oldest cousin on the Gibson side. I always remember her as HAPPY...that's how I can describe her. It was wonderful to get together with her at a family reunion a few years back. If it wasn't for Facebook, unfortuantely we would not have had much contact. But I am thankful for the being able to connect through the internet. I love you all and am so sorry we are not able to attend the services!

Love Always,
Kerri Borelli - cousin
Amy Sullivan - cousin
Aunt Jill Piller - aunt


Posted by: Kerri Borelli - LaSalle, IL - cousin   Nov 15, 2011

Thinking of you, Lori, and all of your family at this very difficult time. God bless you.


Posted by: Janie Davis - Indianapolis, IN   Nov 15, 2011

Thinking of you Lori and your family at this time.


Posted by: Jane Cox    Nov 15, 2011