Rita C. Marr, Died September 25, 2018

Rita C. Marr

Died Sept. 25, 2018

SUTTONS BAY – Rita Coeleen VanLear Marr, 90, my beloved mother, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018 at Medilodge of Leelanau.

She was born Aug. 17, 1928 in Garrett, IN.  Rita is survived by her daughters, Janice VanLear Matey of Traverse City and Karen Sue Klofta of Temperance, MI.

Condolences may be shared with Rita’s family below or at our funeral home Facebook page:

David J. Hartman, Died September 11, 2018

David J Hartman

1931 – 2018

David John Hartman, 86, of Lake Leelanau, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at Munson Medical Center.

David was born on September 28, 1931, in Columbus, OH, the adopted son of James and Florence Hartman.  On August 8, 1982, in Cincinnati, he married Judith Wehler who survives.

David served in Germany while in the Air Force and was discharged in 1954.  He worked for B F Goodrich in their tire leasing department covering a six-state territory.

David loved cooking.  He enjoyed cooking shows, books and magazines.  He would try out new recipes on his friends.

David found Leelanau County through fishing trips and vacations, and in 1997 they decided to live here permanently.

He loved to drive.  Many wonderful trips were enjoyed including visiting lighthouses.

David enjoyed playing cards and games with friends.  He was also an HO scale train enthusiast. 

David was a trustee for the Leland Community United Methodist Church for a number of years.

In addition to his wife, David is survived by his sister, Pat Bustle; sister-in-law June Hartman and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Chuck Hartman and his sister, Emily Py.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 6 at 11 a.m. at Leland Community United Methodist Church.  Rev, Daniel Hofmann will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, one may donate to Leland Community United Methodist Church or the charity of choice.

Condolences may be shared with David’s family below or on our Funeral Home Facebook Page.

Arrangements are with Martinson Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Leelanau.

Linda K. Morton, Died September 23, 2018

Linda K. Morton

Died September 23, 2018

LAKE LEELANAU – Linda Kay Morton, 70, of Lake Leelanau, passed away Sunday, September 23, 2018, at home .

Linda was born Aug. 3, 1948 in Traverse City the daughter of Germain James Belanger and Dorothy Alice (Denoyer) Belanger.  On Aug. 19, 1967 at St. Mary’s Church of Lake Leelanau she married Donald Eugene Morton, who survives.

Linda graduated St. Mary’s High School Class of 1966.  She was class president and a member of the cheerleading squad.  Linda worked for 15 years at N.J.’s Grocery Store in Lake Leelanau and later worked for Excel Physical Therapy.  She would also clean the cottages on Lake Michigan during the 1980’s.

She was a saintly, kind, modest lady, wife, mother and grandmother with a deep faith.  
Linda read the bible daily and every evening prayed the Rosary.  Linda’s family remembers her as an excellent cook and baker; nobody left the table hungry.  Some of her special creations were fresh baked bread and possum innards.

Linda was an avid Detroit Tigers fan.  She was an avid gardener of both flowers and vegetables.  She also loved to can fruits and vegetables; Linda was canning just last week.  She kept an immaculate house, cleaned every day.

She and Donald loved spending the winter down in Florida with her sisters and brothers within a half hour away.  They would get together weekly to play cards and have family dinners.

She raised four of the best kids and cherished being a doting grandmother.  Linda loved her grandkids and loved holding them, rocking them and reading to them.

Linda is survived by her husband of 51 years, Donald; her four children, Todd (Sonja) Morton, Tim (Bonnie) Morton, Tami (Paul) Kraitz, Tiffany (Joe) Zionskowski; her siblings, Linus Belanger, Jean (Lucky Berry) Markham, Willard (Sandra) Belanger, Jacqueline (Don Sokolowski) Pertner, Phyllis (Bob) Drow, Sue (Stan) Allington, Donna Hughes; her grandchildren, Ray (Alyssa) Popp, Jacob Morton, Zachary Morton, Stephanie Morton, Claire Zionskowski; a great granddaughter, Isabella Rose Marie Popp; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister-in-law, Marcella Belanger, and three brothers-in-law, Ron Markham, William J. Pertner and Danny Hughes.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 3 with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Oct 4 at St. Mary’s Church, Lake Leelanau with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m.  Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.  Father Bryan Medlin will serve as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the St. Mary’s Endowment Fund, PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653.

Condolences may be shared with Linda’s family below or on our Funeral Home Facebook Page.

Arrangements are with Martinson Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Leelanau.

Richard L. "Rick" McSawby, Died September 20, 2018

Richard “Rick” L. McSawby

Died September 20, 2018

PESHAWBESTOWN – Richard “Rick” McSawby, 55, of Suttons Bay, passed away Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018 at Munson Hospice House.

Rick was born February 26, 1963, in Grand Rapids, the son of Homer Anthony McSawby and Judith Roseann (Bailey) McSawby.

Rick was a 1981 graduate of Suttons Bay High School where he excelled in sports and making friends.  He would attend his sisters’ high school games back in the day and continued to follow his sisters’ softball games in their adulthood.  Rick was also a sports dad and uncle and loved taking photos of his sons, nieces, nephews and friends sporting events.  His love and support of sports continued throughout his life.  He even played as recently as last year with the Grand Traverse Band Elders Softball team.

Rick worked over 35 years with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians across all GTB entities of Government, Gaming and the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa.  Rick completed the police academy after high school and became a Conservation Officer for GTB for many years.  During that time, he also worked nights as a security officer for Leelanau Sands Casino.  Eventually, he transferred to GTB Law Enforcement and became Captain of the Tribal Police Department.  He started the first mounted police patrol while riding “Sundance” in 1995 for Peshawbestown to improve community relations.  Rick also made time to work with the GTB Fire Department as an MFR and Fire Fighter I with his sister Suzanne and many other members.  Rick’s work history continued for GTB as the asset protection manager at the Leelanau Sands Casino and Turtle Creek Casino for many years.  Finally, working as the 3^rd Shift Supervisor for Housekeeping at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa for the last nine years.  He also served as a Gaming Commissioner for the past several years.

Rick loved to cook and grill, always making more than enough for everyone and always was the designated cook at the family gatherings.  He loved his music, the louder the better, from classic rock, blues, to country.  He even warmed up to his sons’ hip-hop music.  Rick was an avid photographer and would always have his camera to capture those moments he never wanted to forget. 

Rick loved to travel.  Starting from his early years as an altar boy with Fr. Jim Gardner, visiting Peru and rafting the Colorado river.  His later years were spent with friends traveling to Ireland, across the USA and to Texas to see his family.  Rick and his family built many treasured memories with trips to Walt Disney World, Niagara Falls and cruises to Alaska, Bahamas, Mexico and the Caribbean. 

Rick was a member of the Kateri Tekakwitha Church, where he continued his faith with the catholic church.

Rick was very outgoing, gregarious and had a big heart.  He could strike up a conversation with anyone and by the end of it he would have a new friend.  He loved being with his sons, sisters, relatives and friends, living life to its fullest.  He was also a proud Godfather to his nephew and nieces.

Rick is survived by his two sons, Brandon and Justin McSawby; his sisters, Jolanda (Jim) Murphy, Sharon McSawby, Debbie McSawby, Suzanne (Whitey) McSawby, Brenda McSawby; and many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Homer and Judith McSawby.

Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to the 7 p.m. vigil service on Monday, Sept. 24 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 25 at Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Church of Peshawbestown.  Burial in Kateri Tekakwitha Cemetery will follow the service.  Father James Gardner will serve as celebrant.

Flowers are always welcome or a donation can be made to the Alcoholics Anonymous Central Office designated for Peshawbestown and Barlow meetings.  Rick’s family asks that you spend time with your family, visit your friends, be kind to a stranger and help someone in need, and along the way, take plenty of pictures to treasure all the memories.

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Leelanau.

Please share condolences and memories with Rick's family below or at our funeral home Facebook page:

Charles J. Inman, Died July 26, 2018

Charles J. Inman

Died July 26, 2018

CEDAR ~ Charles James Inman, 73, of Cedar, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 26, 2018.

Charles was born on August 9, 1944 in Saginaw, the son of Charles Inman and Garnetta DeBoise.  In 1989 he married Jo Ann Schopieray, who survives.

He worked in the bowling alley industry and did maintenance in the field.  He even earned a 299 ring for his bowling skills.  He later became a tool maker at Johnson Carbide in Saginaw; there he crafted precision surgical instruments.  In Northport, he also worked for Best Tackle.

Charlie developed cardio myopathy that caused him a great many health problems in his life.  He and Jo Ann moved to the Schopieray family farm in Cedar and Charlie pursued his love of the Detroit Red Wings.

He volunteered with the team for the Red Wing camps in Traverse City.  Charlie adopted them as family and for over 20 years spent much of his time volunteering and collecting all things Red Wings.

Charles is survived by his wife, Jo Ann.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother and stepfather.

A celebration of Charlies’ life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16 at Centre Ice in Traverse City in the upper concourse.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Jo Ann at P.O. Box 232, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653.

Please share condolences and memories with Charlie's family below or at our funeral home Facebook page:

Joyce L. Wainwright, Died August 28, 2018

Joyce L. Wainwright

Died August 28, 2018

Northport - Joyce Lucille Wainwright, 87, of Northport, passed away Tuesday, August 28, 2018 surrounded by her loving daughters. 

Joyce was born October 13, 1930 in Dearborn, Michigan, the daughter of Kenneth Wayne Moore and Eleanora Matilda (Malick) Moore.  She and other family were original founders of St. James United Church of Christ in Dearborn, Michigan. 

Joyce graduated from Fordson High School in 1948.  She then attended Elmhurst College in Illinois and Wayne State University in Michigan from which she earned her Bachelors Degree in Teaching in 1952. 

On June 20, 1953, she married Robert Arthur Wainwright.  Together they moved to Dearborn Heights, Michigan, where they raised their three daughters.  Both being teachers, many fun summer travel adventures were possible including camping and boating.

Joyce taught kindergarten and second grade at Kinloch Elementary School in the Crestwood School District.  In 1976 she earned her Master’s Degree from Wayne State University in Special Education and taught in the Hamtramck School District. 

She retired in 1988 and moved to Northport into the house that she and Bob built.  They wintered in Arizona and later Florida where they enjoyed local arts, crafts, jewelry and pottery.

Joyce was very active in the Northport community.  She was a member of the Leelanau Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Retired Teachers of Leelanau County, and the Lions Club.  She volunteered tutoring children at the Leelanau Children’s Center in Northport and she read to children at the Northport Library.  Joyce loved to sing, and she sang in the Trinity United Church of Christ Choir and the Village Voices. 

 

Joyce was a kind, caring, giving wife, mother and educator.  She loved being with her family and especially enjoyed being with her number one grandson, Zachary.  She loved Sander’s Hot Fudge Sundaes, potato chips, and chocolate.  She loved and enjoyed all of her many dogs.  She was a skilled water color painter and her works are loved and displayed by her family.

Joyce is survived by her daughters, Dr. Susan (Thomas) Wainwright-Rollins, Diane Wainwright, Kathleen Wainwright, grandson Zachary Rollins, her dog Rusty, and many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

She was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 58 years, Bob, and her beloved sister, Carole Nicoll. 

A memorial service and luncheon will be held on Saturday, October 20, at 11:00 a.m. at her family church, Trinity United Church of Christ in Northport, Michigan.  After the service, burial will follow in the Leelanau Township Cemetery at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity United Church of Christ, P.O. Box 156, Northport, Michigan  49670 and/or Cherryland Humane Society, 1750 Ahlberg Road, Traverse City, Michigan  49696.

Condolences may be shared with Joyce’s family below or at our funeral home Facebook page:

Jane E. Handloser, Died September 9, 2018

Jane Ellen Handloser
Died Sept. 7, 2018

LAKE LEELANAU – Jane Ellen Handloser, 78, formerly of Grosse Ile, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 7, 2018 at home, surrounded by her loving family.

Jane was born January 9, 1940 in Pontiac, the daughter of George and Bonnie (Bainter) Miles.

Jane was a devoted wife mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend.  Her family was most important to her.  She liked the daily challenge of puzzles and TV game shows at home, and enjoyed the sport and social aspects of golf and bowling outside the house.

Besides raising three children on Grosse Ile, Jane found fulfillment as a member of the Grosse Ile Garden Club, and served as President.  She was also Southeastern Michigan District Director.  Jane loved to discover different arts and crafts, and her love of the outdoors guided her and John to retire to Lake Leelanau, to enjoy the “up north” views and lifestyle of lake living.

ane is survived by her husband of 56 years, John Handloser; her children, John Steven (Karen) Handloser of Novi, David (Karen) Handloser of Taylor, and Karen (John) Bradford of Livonia; her grandchildren, Andrew, Jacob, David, Jeremy, Justin, Nolan, Natalie and Evan; her great-granddaughter, Logann; and her brother, George Miles of Austin, TX; her brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Diane Handloser of Grosse Pointe, and several nieces and nephews.

he was preceded in death by her son, Paul Richard, in infancy; her parents, and her sister, Janet (Jack) Lucas.

funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15, with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m.  at St Mary’s Catholic Church of Lake Leelanau.  A celebration of life in the Metro Detroit area will be announced at a later date. 

Memorials may be directed to Munson Hospice, 1105 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684.

Please share condolences and memories with Jane's family below or at our funeral home Facebook page:

Beau C. Schocko, Died September 5, 2018

Beau Charles Schocko

Died Sept. 5, 2018

PESHAWBESTOWN – Beau Charles Schocko, 41, died Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2018 at the Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

Beau was born August 4, 1977 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of Charles Cook and Carolyn Schocko.

He was an avid sports fan: rooting for the Packers in the NFL, the Brewers in MLB, and the Bucks in the NBA.  He didn’t just watch sports; he loved to play baseball, basketball and frisbee.  Another passion of his was cooking, and he knew how to cook.  Beau loved his Mexican food, having family cookouts, and his music.

Beau was a humorous man -- a jokester who could make anyone laugh.  He took care to always have his cap, shoes and shirt match (often with a sports logo somewhere).  But he had his serious side as well. He was always respectful of his elders, a hard worker, and ever close to his friends.

Beau was a true family man; his children knew he’d always be there for them, and that he loved them above all else.  He’d spend hours playing with his grand kids and his nieces and nephews, happy as can be.

Beau is survived by his mother, Carolyn Schocko; his children, Beau Schocko Jr., Tamyra Toomsen, Jordan Schocko and Tiarra Schocko; his grandchildren, Zaiden and Anevae; his siblings, Lisa Munnell, Malcolm Cook, Stacy Salinas-Dodge, Lana Schocko, Desiree Schocko and Duane Dodge.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Cook.

Visitation will be held Sunday, Sept. 9 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 10 with the family greeting friends one-hour prior at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church of Peshawbestown.  Burial will follow in Kateri Tekakwitha Cemetery.

Please share condolences and memories with Beau's family below or at our funeral home Facebook page:

Dona Torbenson Sheehan, Died September 1, 2018

Dona Torbenson Sheehan

Died Sept. 1, 2018

CEDAR –Dona Torbenson Sheehan, 75, passed away Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018 at home surrounded by her loving family.  Dona was born June 23, 1943, in Lawton, Oklahoma, the daughter of Charles and Thelma “Sally” (Lockery) Torbenson.

Dona’s husband used to joke that the spelling of her first name meant that there had been a typo on her birth certificate, but perhaps her parents had actually realized that dona in Latin means gifts.

Dona certainly had outstanding gifts. As a sister to Gifford, Kristine, and Joni, she had the gifts of loyalty, patience, and love.

As a friend to many, she had the gifts of empathy and sympathy, qualities that ensured lifelong connections to acquaintances scattered across the country whom she encountered from childhood onwards.

As a parent, she had the gifts of loving guidance and protection, raising a stalwart son who eventually achieved the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel before retiring from the Army.

As a student, she had the gifts of intuition and persistence, qualities that eventually led her to a master’s degree in Nursing from Xavier College in Chicago.

As a psychiatric nurse assigned to Hines Veterans Hospital in a western suburb of

Chicago, she had the gift of healing, giving comfort to veterans who had been scarred by the horrors of war.

And as a wife, she had the gifts of devotion and attention, pledging to Michael on the first day of their marriage that she would never knowingly say or do anything to cause him pain or anxiety – a vow that she kept until the day of her death.

Dona is survived by her husband, Michael J. Sheehan Sr., a son, Gifford Haddock (Antoinette); a step-son, Michael Sheehan Jr.; her siblings, Gifford Torbenson, Kristine Casini, Joni Ambler; her grandchildren, Nicolette, Alexis and Giavanna Haddock; her special friends, Marlys Brandy, Moira Dowling, Danielle Arens, Amanda Raymond and many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29 with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

In addition, funeral services in South Bend will be held Sunday, Sept. 30.  Friends and family may call at M.R. Falcons, 3212 Keller Street, South Bend, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. with a service to follow at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society, 1755 Abbey Road, East Lansing, MI 48823.

Condolences may be shared with Dona’s family below or at our funeral home Facebook page:

Theresa F. Schaub, Died September 2, 2018

Theresa F. Schaub

Died Sept. 2, 2018

LAKE LEELANAU – Theresa Florence Schaub, 95, of Lake Leelanau, died Sunday, Sept. 2, 2018 at French Manor Extended Care.

Theresa was born April 3, 1923 in Lake Leelanau, the daughter of Louis E. Schaub and Theresa (Popp) Schaub.

Theresa’s character was founded on a deep and unwavering faith.  A graduate of Lake Leelanau St. Mary’s School, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Aquinas College.   After a few years of teaching grade school, she furthered her education at  the University of Michigan where she earned a Master Degree in Library Science.

Theresa found her professional calling in children’s literature.  She began her career at the Carnegie Library in Pittsburgh, one of the few libraries in the United States having a children’s literature department at that time.  Ten years later, wanting to be closer to her family, she moved back to Michigan where she worked in the Saginaw city library for several years.  In 1963 she was offered a position at the Traverse City Public Library where she was responsible for the children’s literature section for 3o years.

Fondly known as Miss Schaub or the “Story Lady”, Theresa initiated a weekly story hour for children of all ages, often using puppets, costumes, and other props to enhance the storytelling.  She enjoyed introducing children to the world of literature and helping them use the library resources to continue their learning.

Theresa retired in 1993 but never stopped giving of herself to her family and community.  She continued storytelling by volunteering at St. Mary’s Schools for 20 years, reading stories to generations of St. Mary’s students.  A daily mass attendee, she faithfully served her church as a lector and Eucharistic minister, and supported numerous Catholic charities. 

Theresa shared her love of literature by regularly blessing her loved ones and friends with her signature gift of a book, often with a faith-based theme.  Each book was always selected with care and the recipient’s interests or needs in mind.  She was a gentle and pious woman, blessed with a remarkable memory and a heritage of faith which she sought to pass on to future generations.  She enjoyed reading, music, gardening, cooking, and sharing a cup of tea.

Theresa is survived by her brother Louis (Judy) Schaub of Grand Rapids, sister-in-law Jean Schaub of Lake Leelanau, ten nieces and nephews, and many loving great and great great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Francis X. Schaub, her sisters, Sister Ottilia Schaub O.D., Sister Charlotte Schaub O.D., two nieces, Susan Messick, Susan Schaub, and three nephews, Jim Schaub, Evan Messick, and Price Schaub.

Visitation will be held today, Thursday, Sept. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m. with the Rosary to be prayed at 7 p.m.- at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 7 with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church of Lake Leelanau.  Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.  Father Michael Janowski will serve as celebrant.

Memorials may be directed to St. Mary’s Parish, PO Box 340, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653 or the Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids, 2025 Fulton Street East Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Please share condolences and memories with Theresa's family below or at our funeral home Facebook page:

Danielle Frances Martinez Florez, Died September 1, 2018

Danielle F. Martinez Florez

Died Sept. 1, 2018

TRAVERSE CITY – Danielle Frances Martinez Florez, 46, died Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018 at Munson Medical Center.

Danielle was born March 10, 1972 in Polk County, Florida the daughter of Donald Gordon Hard and Mary Avis (McGrath) Hard.  On Nov. 24, 2010 in Peshawbestown she married Jorge Martinez Florez who survives.

She was strong and blunt yet had a big heart for everyone and was a mother and grandmother to all.  Danielle could always be seen in sandals no matter the season, maybe with socks on but always in sandals.  She liked to dance, and her TV was always tuned to Law and Order SVU, HGTV or a cooking channel.

Danielle’s had incredible cooking skills.  Her family fondly remembers her scratch cooking.  She would make chicken and dumplings, potato salad, tacos, guacamole, salsa, baked mac and cheese, and washed down with her sweet tea.

Danielle is survived by her husband, Jorge; her children, Jesus Perez, Shannoah Perez, Ana Torres; her siblings, Laurie Baker, Teresa Zarco, Charles McGrath; and her grandchildren, Gabriel Perez and Enzo Alaniz.

Visitation will be held from 3 p.m. to the 6 p.m. service / sharing of memories on Wednesday, Sept. 5 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  Danielle’s family will have a sharing of memories at 6 p.m.

Please share condolences and memories below or at our funeral home Facebook page:

Dona Torbenson Sheehan, Died September 1, 2018

Dona Torbenson Sheehan

Died Sept. 1, 2018

CEDAR – Dona Torbenson Sheehan, 75, passed away Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018 at home surrounded by her loving family.  Dona was born June 23, 1943, in Lawton, Oklahoma, the daughter of Charles and Thelma “Sally” (Lockery) Torbenson.

  

Dona’s husband used to joke that the spelling of her first name meant that there had been a typo on her birth certificate, but perhaps her parents had actually realized that dona in Latin means gifts.

  

Dona certainly had outstanding gifts. As a sister to Gifford, Kristine, and Joni, she had the gifts of loyalty, patience, and love.

As a friend to many, she had the gifts of empathy and sympathy, qualities that ensured lifelong connections to acquaintances scattered across the country whom she encountered from childhood onwards.

As a parent, she had the gifts of loving guidance and protection, raising a stalwart son who eventually achieved the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel before retiring from the Army.

As a student, she had the gifts of intuition and persistence, qualities that eventually led her to a master’s degree in Nursing from Xavier College in Chicago.

As a psychiatric nurse assigned to Hines Veterans Hospital in a western suburb of Chicago, she had the gift of healing, giving comfort to veterans who had been scarred by the horrors of war.

And as a wife, she had the gifts of devotion and attention, pledging to Michael on the first day of their marriage that she would never knowingly say or do anything to cause him pain or anxiety – a vow that she kept until the day of her death.

Dona is survived by her husband, Michael J. Sheehan Sr., a son, Gifford Haddock (Antoinette); a step-son, Michael Sheehan Jr.; her siblings, Gifford Torbenson, Kristine Casini, Joni Ambler; her grandchildren, Nicolette, Alexis and Giavanna Haddock; her special friends, Marlys Brandy, Moira Dowling, Danielle Arens, Amanda Raymond and many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 29 with the family greeting friends at 10 a.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society, 1755 Abbey Road, East Lansing, MI 48823.

Condolences may be shared with Dona’s family below, or on our funeral home Facebook Page. 

Arrangements are with Martinson Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Leelanau.