Donna Mae Wilfong, age 80, of Escanaba, passed away early Tuesday morning, January 15, 2019, at Lakeview Memory Care Facility, in Gladstone, where she currently resided.
Donna was born March 11, 1938, in Escanaba, the daughter of Leonard and Beatrice (DeMars) Bryson. She was raised in Escanaba and was a 1956 graduate of Holy Name High School.
On August 29, 1959, Donna was united in marriage to Thomas Wilfong at St. Anne Church in Escanaba. Together the couple lived in various locations where they raised their family and made many lifelong friends throughout the years. Donna was employed as a telephone operator for Michigan Bell Telephone Company. She is remembered for her great laugh and love of entertaining. She was a devoted wife of 59 years and a wonderful mother.
Donna was a member of St. Thomas Church in Escanaba where she served on the St. Thomas Church Circle, the Alter Guild and was a member of the Blue Army. In years past, Donna enjoyed spending summers at their cabin among family and friends. She will be deeply missed.
In addition to her husband Tom, Donna is survived by:
Son: Scott (Julie) Wilfong of St. Cloud, MN
Daughters: Tracie (Terry) Koepp of Cedar Rapids, IA
Carrie (Mike) LaPin of Negaunee, MI
Cheri Wilfong of Carpentersville, IL
Brother: Thomas (Cathy) Plouff of Marietta, GA
Sister: Sue (Leizime) Brusoe of Shawano, WI
Also surviving are Donna’s 13 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard Bryson and Beatrice Plouff.
Donna’s family will receive friends on Thursday, from 2:00PM to 4:00PM, at the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba. Mass of Christian Burial will follow visiting hours, at 5:00PM on Thursday, at St. Thomas Church in Escanaba, with Rev. Fr. Rick Courier officiating. Luncheon will follow in the St. Thomas Parish Hall. Donna will be laid to rest in the Holy Cross Cemetery in the spring. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.
Terry Borden - Lansing, Mi
Donna was a wonderful friend also an aunt also just a fun fun person to be around as I said before her laughter was what you always remembered I got to see her this last summer and it was so nice we enjoyed it a good long visit and reminiscing I will miss you Donna I love you
Cindy Sheffer - Escanaba , Mi
Heaven gained another angel yesterday. I’m so sorry about Donna’s passing. She was a truly wonderful woman and friend. I’m really going to miss her wonderful laugh and her friendship. I loved her like my second mom. Godspeed Donna Mae, godspeed.
Paul Drysdale - Cadillac , MI
Sorry for your loss Wilfong family. My thoughts and prayers are with you today and the days to come. May you find peace and comfort in the good memories.
Carol Knauf - Gladstone, Mi
So sorry she was a very nice person. Deepest sympathy to Tom and family. Butch and Carol Knauf
Butch and Carol Knauf - Gladstone, Mi
Deepest sympathy. Donna was a very nice lady.
Frank and Cherie DuBord - Brooksville , Fl
Thinking of you Tom and the entire family…Donna was such a special person. She had the ability to brighten up a room with her presence. Her ready smile and genuine friendship was something we always appreciated. May GOD give you comfort in the knowledge that someday all will be together, never to be separated again!