Donna M Parish (Becker)

Donna M Parish (Becker) born 10/21/1924, died at St Ann’s Home on 10/02/2024 just short of her 100th birthday. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Wallace, her parents Roy and Mary Becker, brothers Bernard (Evelyn), Thomas (Charlotte) Becker, and nephew Robert (Michelle) Becker. Surviving are many loving nieces and nephews as well as treasured friends, mostly in Grand Marais MI where she and Wally retired and lived for 40 years. Donna was raised in Comstock Park where she and Wally, who was also raised in CP, were drawn to each other at the ripe old ages of 14 and 16. They were inseparable from then on. WW2 was the catalyst for them to get married in 1943 in Joplin MO, living there until he was shipped overseas. They eventually settled in CP near family, Holy Trinity Catholic Church, and a home they built—twice due to the ‘56 tornado—on 4 Mile Road. Wally’s job at Michigan Bell offered them the chance to move to the Upper Peninsula in the mid 60’s which they happily agreed to. They relocated a few times, once building a house on the shore of Lake Superior in Marquette, and finally buying Birch Hill Farm in an auction, in Grand Marais. They opened their doors to any family or friends that visited, enjoyed fishing, bird hunting with their 3 german short hairs, entertaining neighbors and friends, supported Holy Rosary Church, kept us “trolls” enthralled with all the stories of the many deer, birds, bears and other wildlife that visited them, and truly savored every moment of their time together there. When Wally died in 2009, although terribly lonesome for him, Donna continued her active life in GM. She had loads of family visit, was invited to many a dinner or party (as well as hosting some of her own), made pies and pecan rolls she shared with friends, “adopted” the different priests assigned there, often treating them for dinner after Saturday evening Mass, and included them when family was visiting at her home. She enjoyed the gals in the Thirsty Thursday group, supported the Sportsman Club with donations, and kept her home warm and inviting every day. In 2022, at 98, she agreed to move south into assisted living. Her memory was slipping and loving friends and neighbors were definitely concerned with her well being. It was heartbreaking for family to take her away from her “paradise”, but it was the right thing to do. Now that she has joined Jesus and her beloved Wally, perhaps paradise has a new meaning. As she requested, her remains have been cremated. A Mass of Christian celebration will be at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Comstock Park, on Tuesday October 8th at 11:00 a.m. Visitation one hour prior. Reverend Chris Rouech officiating. She will be laid to rest next to Wally at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Grand Marais at a later date. In lieu of flowers, because of her love for all animals—especially dogs, donations to the Humane Society would be appreciated. Her family wishes to thank the loving staff at St Ann’s Home and Emmanuel Hospice for their care these last 2 plus years.

Tributes

Donna M Parish (Becker)

October 21, 1924 - October 2, 2024