Donna Jean (nee Shriver) Stewart, born May 11, 1952, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on Good Friday, April 3, 2015, comfortable in her warm bed.
She always had a smile, hug and kind words for everyone. Although you may all know this selfless woman, here are some fun facts about Donna’s amazing life. Donna was a devoted Christian, who had a steadfast belief in God. Donna loved to read positive passages. In her personal unique ministry, she reached out to others through youth groups, women’s prayer, quilting guild, as a church lector, and hosts of many church events and outings. Donna and Dave were in Marriage Encounter for 20 years. Fifteen of those years, were on the committee for planning retreat weekends.
Many youth found comfort in her presence, pleasant words, understanding and ground sound advice. She was a confidant to many, who often referred her as a “Second Mom.” Donna loved being around all the little children in her life who lovingly called her, “Grandma Rainbow Sunshine,” which always filled her heart with smiles. Donna often said she was a “domestic engineer” and “professional volunteer.”
She loved being a crafter. Always preparing for the many craft shows that she entered each year. She was considered a seamstress, not just someone who could sew, helping many beautiful brides walk down the aisle. Donna was also a Den Mother to her sons and was actively involved in Tara’s Girl Scouts. She was an organizing force for many Scout Day Camps. She not only drove her school bus for YMCA summer camps, but also led groups as a counselor. She then became the lead craft director.
Donna and David road their motorcycles across the country. Donna owned a blue 1975 Kawasaki 400. They were married in 1974, and last year celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary, spending a total of 44 years together as a loving couple.
Donna graduated in 1970 from Eastlake North High School, where she was involved in Drama Club and the school newspaper. She also completed a two-year accounting class.
Donna loved her family and adored her friends. She loved to be on Facebook, sharing her thoughts with loving posts to her friends and family, always posting photos of her grandchildren. She always accepted them for who they were and showed unconditional love to all in her life. She has truly touched many hearts in her lifetime and although fun facts can be written about Donna, she was so much more than words can say. You could not find a more honest, caring and understanding person.
“We love you today, tomorrow and for always. Thank you for gracing us with your ray of sunshine.”
Donna is survived by her loving family which includes her husband of 40 years, David M. Stewart of Eastlake; sons, Brandon (Amy, nee Chesnes) Stewart of Stow and Ryan (Jamie, nee Lillstrung) Steward of Ashtabula; daughter, Tara Stewart (Josh Vincent) of Mentor; parents, Lawrence and Jean (nee Renard) Shriver of Eastlake; siblings, Debbie (Bob) Callow of Painesville Township and Bob (Sharon, nee Snyder) Shriver of Mentor; grandchildren, Damien, Natalia, Ayden, Kayla, Emma and Eric; and many youth who called her, “Mom.”
Family will receive friends from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at McMahon-Coyne-Vitantonio Funeral Home, 38001 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, where a funeral service will also be conducted at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday. Burial will be private.
The family is requesting friends and family to support Donna by wearing pink.
In their difficult time, the family is graciously accepting donations in lieu of flowers.

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