Donna Jean Aho's Obituary
Mrs. Donna Jean Aho, age 71, of Norton Shores, went home to Heaven with her savior Jesus, January 14, 2015, after a courageous 5 year battle with cancer. She was born in Muskegon on November 29, 1943 to Donald and Jean (Finkler) Hare. Donna attended Muskegon High School and attended Peggy White Beauty School in a co-op program while in high school. She graduated from both in 1961. She was employed by Peggy White Salons for 23 years. In 1984 Donna fulfilled her dream and opened her own salon, The Creative Edge Hair & Day Spa. For 30 years Donna was servant leader to her beloved staff who she considered family. She was an amazing, talented, admired, humble and loved hairstylist who passionately and joyfully served her cherished clients for 53 years. She was unwillingly forced to lay down her scissors in August 2014 due to the progression of her illness. Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Thomas J. Aho, on January 17, 2014. Donna was a selfless caregiver to Tom during his 2+ year illness while simultaneously leading and working at her salon. She was also preceded in death by her father, Donald Hare Sr., and her 2 sisters, Jean Wilson and Rosemary Weaver. Donna will be dearly missed by her daughters, Cherri (Chris) Farhat of Holt, MI and Julie (Chris) Rios of Bradenton, FL; her mother, Jean Hare of Muskegon; 4 grandchildren, Christopher Farhat, Joshua, Jordan Grace and Caleb Rios; 2 brothers, Donald (Victoria) Hare, Jr. of North Muskegon and John (Michelle) Hare of Branch, MI; several nieces and nephews, her staff, clients and many dear friends. Donna was an extremely dedicated and devoted wife, mother and grandmother, always putting everyone before herself. She was full of grace with a loving, generous and compassionate heart. Donna was a faithful Christian and her trust in the Lord never wavered. She loved life, always had a smile, positive attitude and kind and uplifting words for everyone. Donna was a blessing and an inspiration to her family and all who knew her. The MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held 1:00 PM Wednesday, January 21, 2015 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 4475 Henry Street, Norton Shores 49441, with Rev. Dennis Lassanske officiating. VISITATION will be Tuesday, January 20, 2015 5-8 p.m. at the Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Ele’s Place for Grieving Children (Lansing, MI), Muskegon Harbor Hospice, or St. Mark Lutheran Church.
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