Graebner, Donna J.
Port Charlotte, Florida Formerly of Saginaw and Black Lake, Michigan
Beloved wife and mother passed away August 5, 2020 at her home in Port Charlotte, Florida. She was 91 years old.
Donna was born on October 24, 1928, the daughter of the late Glen and Viola Chapin. She married Jim Graebner, August 12, 1950. Jim predeceased Donna on February 24, 1999. Donna grew up on a farm in Hemlock, Michigan. She graduated from Hemlock High School and Central Michigan University. She was employed by the Saginaw Public School System for 32 years. She taught in St. Charles and Saginaw at Saginaw High School, Career Opportunity Center and Arthur Hill High School. Among her many hobbies were gardening, fishing and crafting. She also sang solos at weddings, funerals and church services. Donna and her husband, Jim, spent many wonderful summers living in Black Lake, Michigan. Winters were spent in Port Charlotte, Florida, after their retirement, which became their permanent home.
Surviving is their daughter, Kathy and her husband, Richard Welbourne; two grandsons, Jay Welbourne and his wife, Donna, and Matt Welbourne and his wife, Kerri; four great grandchildren: Taylor, Jaydon, Austin and Kaedn Welbourne; two brothers and their wives, Glen and Marjorie Chapin, Au Gres, MI; Ronald and Karen Chapin, Hemlock, MI; her sister, June Niersel, Saginaw, MI, who predeceased her; many dear nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank caregivers, Doris “Jeannie” Roberts, Liz Chase, and Sherry Hill for all the personal attention and love they gave to Donna.
Due to the global pandemic, private family committal has taken place. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial in Donna’s name to the charity of your choice.