Donna Jean Swanson's Obituary
Donna Jean Swanson, of Whitehall, MI, age 82, passed away on October 20, 2023.
Donna was the firstborn child of Frederick and Virginia (Goranson) Ammond on November 13, 1940 in Muskegon, Michigan. Donna Jean, lovingly nicknamed “DJ”, was the oldest of 9 children including 7 girls and 2 boys. She was blessed with vibrant ice-blue eyes like her father.
Donna graduated from Muskegon Hts. High School in 1958. She married James “JW” Wayne in 1961 and together they had a beautiful daughter, Nicole Lunette, in 1969. While they later divorced, Nicole was their only child and always their pride and joy.
Donna held various jobs including an office stenographer, waitress, bartender and different manufacturing positions. She enjoyed music and could remember lyrics from songs long ago. She loved telling stories from the past and could turn a stranger into a friend in no time. Time with her daughter, grandsons, great grandchildren and sisters was precious to her and she always looked forward to being with family. She also liked painting ceramics and giving them away to others. She was a member of the Whitehall American Legion Post #69 and enjoyed spending time at the casinos as well.
Donna is survived by her daughter Nicole (Justin) Stoudt; two grandsons, Kameron (Sarah) Samuels and Seth (Erin) Cater; four great grandchildren Allison Cater, Tesla Payne, Mallory Samuels and Wade Samuels.
She is also survived by five sisters; Susan Alexander, Laura (Jim) Fox, Mary Ammond, Sally (Mark) White, and Christine (Aaron) Lobenberg.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents Fred and Ginger Ammond; two brothers, Fred Ammond and Thomas Ammond; one sister and brother-in-law, Virginia “Ginny” and Keith Nye; and former husband James Wayne.
Per Donna’s request, no memorial service will be held. Memorial contributions in Donna’s memory may be directed to Harbor Hospice Foundation. Please feel free to share a memory online at www.sytsemafh.com.
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