In Memory
Donna Jean Wilmes, 77, of South Bend passed away in her home with her loving family by her side, following an extended illness.
Donna was born in St. Joseph County, Michigan to the late Ray and Ethel (Milling) Wallman.
On March 14, 1964 Donna married Thomas David Wilmes in South Bend. Thomas survives along with their daughter, Julia A. (Larry) Crocker of South Bend, son, Jeffrey D. Wilmes of Lakeville, granddaughter, Larisa Crocker of South Bend, sister, Nancy (Scott) Moore of Cleveland, Ohio and brother, Gary (Carol) Wallman of Sturgis, MI.
Donna was an avid dog and horse lover; she loved bowling, gardening, and being with her loving family. She cherished her time with granddaughter, Larisa. She was a member of the South Bend Racket Club and Greene Twp. Horse and Pony Club.
She will be dearly missed by her loving family and numerous friends she made during her life journey.
Memorial contributions for Donna may be made to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545 or Pet Refuge, 4626 Burnett Drive, South Bend, IN 46614.
The family will not have a service at this time, cremation has taken place.
The HANLEY and Sons Funeral Home “Southwest Chapel” and Cremation Service handled arrangements and extends its deepest sympathy to Donna's family and friends.
01/14/2021 JFC
George H. Winkelmann (1961)
Well...we are all getting to the age where this is happening more frequently, and it always troubles my heart. I think of the classmates that may not have had many friends and wonder who remembers them...and will they be missed. I'm certain that Donna had many, many friends, and will be sorely missed, and remember with great fondness and memories to share from a lifetime of loving, giving and living. Donna and I were not close friends at John Adams, but you can't spend four years roaming the same hallowed high school halls, eating lunch in the same cafeteria, and having a last name that resides near the end of the alphabet and therefore usually puts you somewhere near the end of a row at the back of the room, without being, at the least, acquainted. As I recall Donna was always kind and smiling, as I recall, and well connected in school. I extend my deepest sympathies to her loved ones and friends. I'm sure there a many tears and broken hearts, but I know you will spend many hours crying and laughing and telling stories...and that she will never be forgotten. I pray for God's richest peace and grace to bless your homes and hearts. G
Marijo Peck (Huck) (1961)
Always with sadnes, my deepest condolences to Donna's family.
Mary Wiseman (Walter) (1961)
Donna was a core of our circle of friends, always up to do something. She loved to dance, laugh, and make homemade pizza's at our sleepovers. Those high school days are treasures for our memories. She was one of the first to stand by my side when my Dad died in our senior year. We had a wonderful final gathering at the home of Diane Wils Wolf to reminisce and remember those growing years several years ago when we were all still healthy and able. What a gift that has been for us now. May God Bless Donna's family.