Dorothy G. "Donna" Hills' Obituary
Dorothy G. “Donna” Hills, age 87, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 14, 1937, to Daniel “Don” and Dorothy (Mead) Meara in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she lived until she was 10 years old.
She was the oldest of six children; Carole (Walter) Case of Lewiston, Maine, Daniel (Kay) Meara of Okeechobee, Florida, Fredrick (Diane) Meara of Fruitport, Michigan, Kathy (Norm) Aube of Lewiston, Maine, and Louis “Rick” (Debra) Oswald of Fruitport, Michigan.
Her family remained in Boston until she was 10 years old, then later relocated to Fruitport, Michigan, where she remained a lifelong resident. Her family attended St Mary's Catholic Church in Spring Lake, Michigan.
Donna attended Fruitport Schools, class of 1955, and later graduated from Muskegon Beauty College.
Donna is survived by her six children; Debi (John) Krueger of Walker, Russell “Mike” Swanson, Dolly (Richard) Robinson, Bonnie Crampton, Robert (Tracy) Swanson all of Fruitport, Michigan and Lisa Kendra (Jeff Moll) of Grand Haven, Michigan; and first husband, Russell (Brenda) Swanson.
Donna married Jack Hills on December 16, 1977, and they cherished 47 years together. Donna loved her family dearly, and was so proud of her six children, 21 grandchildren; Crystal, Chad, Adrianne, Caleb, Tony, Julie, Mike, Tim, Jeff, Jennifer, Kelly, Nikki, Brandon, Mandy, Shannah, Bob, Tom, Josh, Dylan, Kylie and Kara; 43 great-grandchildren; one great- great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.
Donna spent many years side by side every day with her late husband as they worked for her son’s Ice company, Crystal Cool Ice. Together, with their little dog Toby, they enjoyed their daily road trips on their long delivery routes from Muskegon to Baldwin.
One of her absolute favorite places to spend her time was at the family cabins in Croton. She loved her road trips to Little River Casino and had a great love for all music, but country was a favorite. She loved her long coffee visits with good friends and enjoyed catching up on all the gossip. Donna loved celebrating her Irish heritage. Family and holiday gatherings were her favorite. Donna was a great storyteller, and will always be remembered for her warm smile, her great laugh, her Boston accent, and for being the most giving human you will ever meet. She will be dearly missed by all those that loved her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Hills; sister, Carole; two brothers, Dan and Fred; granddaughter, Shannah Swanson; two brothers-in-law, Walter and Norman; and sister-in-law, Kay.
A private celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com.
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