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DONNALEE A. PARKINSON
Nov. 19, 1936 – Sept. 19, 2023
DonnaLee A. Parkinson, 86, formerly of Sun Lakes, Arizona, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, at Aspen Ridge Retirement Village in Gaylord, Michigan. She had recently moved back to Michigan after a hip fracture in March that required additional care provided by her family.
Donna was born Nov. 19, 1936, in Grayling, Michigan, to Leo and Marjorie (Goshorn) Morency. On June 4, 1955, she married the love of her life, Jim Parkinson of Grayling. Together, they raised three children, moving to several Northern Michigan towns, following Jim's career at General Telephone. Donna worked several administrative jobs for Gerrish-Higgins Elementary School (Roscommon), Glen's Market (Gaylord), and Trinity Episcopal Church (Alpena). She enjoyed singing in the Sweet Adelines Barbershop Choir and taking part in Marriage Encounter.
She was the consummate game player, from outdoor activities with her family to cards and dominoes. Donna had a quick wit and a high-pitched laugh that endeared her to family and friends. For over 16 years, Donna and Jim wintered in Arizona, enjoying line dancing and games with friends. They drove throughout the US and Canada on adventurous trips both pulling a travel trailer and on a motorcycle. Upon Jim's passing in 2013, she moved into a permanent home in Sun Lakes, Arizona.
Surviving is her sister, Nita Millikin of Grayling; son, Dan (Nancy) of Rochester, Michigan.; two daughters, Margie (John) of Atlanta, Michigan, and Sheila (Jewel) of Sun Lakes, Arizona.; six grandchildren, Ryan, Nikki (Chaz), Shauna, Kenzie (Jason), Nathan (Ashley), and Kyle (Mindy); and eight great-grandchildren, Chase, Brennen, Easten, Layla, Bailey, Tanner, Hunter, and Raelynn. Preceding her in death was her husband, Jim; and brother, Curt Morency.
No memorial service has been scheduled at this time. Future arrangements will be made with family and friends. Memorials may be made to the Memory Cafe in care of Sun Lakes United Methodist Church at 9248 E. Riggs Rd., Sun Lakes, Arizona, 85248. Arrangements were entrusted to the Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, Michigan, 49734.