Obituary of Donna Perry
Donna Jean Perry was born on February 7, 1930 in Luna Pier, Michigan. She was one of six children born to Sidney and Jessie Grace (Watson) Baker. On January 18, 1950 Donna married the love of her life, Alton Perry Jr. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Erie, Michigan. The couple enjoyed sixty wonderful years of marriage and were blessed with seven children. The Perry family later grew to include many grandchildren whom she adored and helped to raise.
Donna was a loving, compassionate individual who cared about everyone she met. She was a strong advocate for social justice and the underserved. Donna was a member of the Democratic Party and an active contributor to the fight for Civil Rights during the 1960’s. She participated in many marches and assisted with a migrant welfare program at St. Joseph Catholic Church. As a young woman, Donna and Alton enjoyed dancing the night away at the Trianon Ballroom in Toledo, Ohio. A talented oil painter, she completed several courses at the Toledo Museum of Art. She enjoyed traveling the country with her lifelong partner and spent many winters in Texas. She was an avid bird watcher and golfer. She also had a green thumb and loved cultivating her beautiful flower gardens which include lilies, her favorite flower. Donna saw the love of God in all that was good and would often remind us by saying, “If you want to see God, look around.”
Donna Perry, age 91, of Erie, Michigan passed away peacefully on Saturday; December 4, 2021. Her passing was preceded by husband in 2010; and her parents and siblings: Sidney Baker, Paul Baker, Dorothy Eighmey, Donny Baker, and Jimmy Baker.
To cherish her memory she leaves her children: Paul (Sandra) Perry, Sidney (Peter) Michaelson, Kathy Perry, Dennis (Melanie) Perry, Dan (Sharon) Perry, Norine (Glenn) Wasielewski, and Diane (John) Steinman; eighteen grandchildren; and sixteen great grandchildren.
Friends may gather from 3-8 pm Sunday, December 19, 2021 at Merkle Funeral Service, Erie. Donna will lie in State on Monday; December 20, 2021 at 10:00am until the Mass of Resurrection at 11:00am at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2214 Manhattan Street, Erie, Michigan 48133 followed by a procession to St. Joseph Cemetery, Erie, Michigan. Her care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, Erie; 9156 Summit Street, Erie, Michigan 48133 (734) 317-7199.
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