Donna M. Willaert, age 88, of Monroe, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday, July 1, 2025 in her daughter's home.
Donna was born November 13, 1936 in Monroe, she was the daughter of Andrew and Luella (LaVigne) Giznsky. She married John C. Willaert September 5, 1959 at St. Joseph Church. They were married nearly 60 years when he preceded in her death August 2, 2019.
She was a housekeeper at the Hall of the Divine Child and at the I.H.M. for many years before her retirement.
Family was the most important thing to Donna. She loved the time spent with them; she was still occasionally babysitting her great grandchildren, Ashlyn and Rohan. While raising her children, many of the neighborhood kids could be found at the Willaert house making themselves at home. To this day many still call her "Ma Willaert, Mom or Mumma". Holidays were her favorite times with Christmas being at the top of the list. She would spend hours walking through the Christmas tree farm to find the perfect tree, she wrapped all the presents with love, she baked more kinds of cookies than you would think even existed and made so many the family would still be eating those cookies in July. She would make a meal large enough to feed an army with many family and friends often joining the festivities. She enjoyed sitting in her recliner eating ice cream and watching the hummingbirds at the feeder or maybe catching the Detroit Tigers or Red Wings game on the TV. She was an avid bingo player, often going with her sister Maryann and enjoyed playing cards. Family brought her the greatest joy!!
She is survived by three children, John Willaert, Jr. of Monroe, Douglas (Tina McKee) Willaert of Petersburg and Kellie (Manuel) Garcia of Wyandotte; a sister-in-law, Marge Giznsky; two grandchildren, Aaron (Megan) Reaume and Ross (Nicole) Reaume; two great grandchildren, Ashlyn and Rohan Reaume and several step grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Betty Bauer and Maryann Carr; two brothers, Andrew Giznsky, Jr. and William Giznsky.
In accordance with Donna's wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be held. Bacarella Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .