Barbola Funeral Chapel

Donna J. White

Donna Jean White, age 79, of Berlin, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 15, 2020, at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center-Appleton.

She was born July 7, 1941, in Fond du lac, WI, the daughter of Donald and Marjorie Waehler Hitchcock. Donna was a 1959 graduate of Goodrich High School. On May 9, 1959, she was united in marriage to Alan White.

Donna had an enormous heart that put the love of her family above all else, including her beloved husband, Alan, of 61 years and her four adoring daughters, their partners and all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who made her so proud and happy. Her love of family and togetherness was instilled at a young age, thanks to a loving relationship with her dearly departed parents, her beloved grandma, and aunts and uncles. An avid bird lover, Donna always nurtured all winged creatures but especially hummingbirds that reminded her of her father. Donna cherished her close relationships with her brothers, her sisters-in-law and all her special nieces and nephews.

Al and Donna’s love story began in grade school. They married young and started with very little, but built a lifetime of blessings through their mutual love of camping, fishing, fun, family and friends. They treasured family get togethers in the Northwoods, golfing with friends, and enjoying concerts with their daughters. They hosted many parties featuring sing-a-longs and card games. They also loved adventuring across the US and to Canada, Mexico and the Dominican Republic, creating lasting memories they often reminisced about. More than anything, Al and Donna loved one another deeply, always remaining united in the way they parented their daughters and guided their lives. They taught their children and grandchildren that laughter is the key ingredient that makes a marriage last.

Donna had many talents including gardening, cooking, sewing and crafting, and she instilled a love of all these things in her four daughters. As talented as she was at many creative endeavors, she excelled at being a mother. Growing up she made nearly every delicious meal, sewed her daughters and their Barbies beautiful clothes, sourced vegetables from her network of local farmers, canned jellies, pickles and the most amazing tomato juice. She did countless special things for her girls who she loved to be around. She embodied love, life and fun during girls-only vacations and regular family camping trips. Jodi, Rebecca, Midge and Melissa remain in awe of their mom’s ability to make beautiful things out of seemingly nothing, and will never forget the way she could make Christmases and other holidays magical. It is a wonderful thing to grow up with parents who constantly remind you of how much they love you unconditionally, both in words and actions. Thank you mom for all you did for us and with us.

She is survived by her husband, Al; four daughters, Jodi (Eric) Braun, Rebecca White (Pat), Midge (Andy) Seaman and Melissa (Aaron) Duffy; six grandchildren, Nathan (Shannon) Braun, Jacob Braun, Emilie Braun, Ben (Kristen) Seaman, Zachary Duffy and Bridget Duffy; four great-grandchildren, Penelope, Arlo and Fiona Braun, and Eleanor Seaman; two brothers, John (Lori) Hitchcock and Rick (Carol) Hitchcock; two sisters-in-law, Mary Hitchcock and Mary White; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Donna was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Dale Hitchcock; parents-in-law, John (Emily) White; brother-in-law, Lee White; and sister-in-law, Catherine “Kate” (Ray) (Max) Wolff Barbeau.

Due to COVID-19, the family has decided to delay a memorial service until summer when family and friends can gather outdoors to celebrate Donna’s life. A memorial has been established. Anyone wishing to send a sympathy card to the family, please mail card to Barbola Funeral Chapel, c/o Donna White, PO Box 201, Berlin, WI 54923.