Donna Jean Rozman, age 71 of Lowell, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, September 23, 2018. She met the love of her life, Russell; and they married in 1979. The marriage brought their three daughters together; and Donna and Russ added to their family, having three more children together. They became foster parents as well, taking in many children over the years that they cared for as their own. Adopting three more children through the foster care process, they realized that their family was still not complete. Gathering and caring for children and adults as their own family throughout the years was central to their lives, and only recently had slowed down. Donna is lovingly survived by her husband, Russell; children, Traci (Wayne) Racine, Carla Rozman, Toni Miller, Kathy Rozman, Jill (Brian) Gilson, Susan Rozman, Christopher (Katy) Rozman, Joseph Rozman, Kait Rozman; sisters Nancy Kidd, Audie Chavez; brother Don (Lori) Murphy; 14 grandchildren, Mike, James, Megan, Aaron, Makayla, Leslie, Alyssa, Salena, Ashleigh, Briana, Lyla, Clayton, Lucy, Grace; 5 great-grandchildren; several brothers- and sisters-in-law; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Funeral will be held Friday, September 28, at 12:00 p.m., Roth-Gerst Chapel, 305 N. Hudson, Lowell, MI 49331. Prior to the service, the family will greet friends and relatives from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the funeral home chapel. Rev. Gordon Barry officiating. Memorial contributions may be made in Donna’s name to Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook SE Suite 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49546-5783.
9 Responses
Donna was one of a kind. This world is a dimmer place with her gone. My thoughts are with the family and all those touched by her presence.
To the whole Rozman family,
My thoughts are w/you all. I wish I could take your pain away. I will continue to pray for Russ and EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU.
Donna was the strongest woman I know and heaven gained an Angel.
I send all my Love.
She was an amazing woman. Always there when you needed her. She shared so much love.
She was caring and loving person. I could really tell she cared about everyone so much. I love you Aunt Donna and I will miss so much
I was stunned when I received an email from my sister Lori entitled, “Very Sad News.” Sad indeed. We did not even know she was ill. Donna Jean was always a special person to me. When we were teens, we shared a lot that we did not share with other people.
Donna had a way of looking at things and saying things that were perceptive, accurate, and funny. Several years ago, when I came back to Traverse City for a few days to visit my folks, Donna and Russ drove Anita up to my folks’ cottage to see me. It was a Sunday and my parents were out of town and not home yet. As soon as they came in, Anita started talking. Donna turned her head to watch “Ghost” on our satellite TV and said nothing. At one point Russ declared, “Four solid hours! She’s been talking for four solid hours!” But when Anita and Russ stepped out to have a cigarette, Donna turned to me and said, “So, Lon, how are you?” Then we had a nice if short chat. When the smoke break was over she turned her attention back to the movie. That was Donna.
On another occasion, Donna drove Anita and their mother up to our cottage to visit. Of course, Anita did most of the talking. When they left, Jean looked a little depressed. My mother asked her if she was all right, and she said she didn’t know, maybe a little tired. As she climbed into the car, Donna looked at my mom over the top of the car roof and said, “Talk withdrawal.” My mother laughed about that for days.
My wife Annie met Donna for the first time in 1972, shortly after I returned from the Navy with my blushing bride. She invited us over, and when we arrived we found her in the kitchen of her very clean and nice house. She gave us soup and a sandwich for lunch, with a red cake that she had just baked because it was my favorite. Annie was so touched that she still talks about it all these years later.
Since I got Lori’s email, my head has been filled with so many memories. Such as a young Donna rushing to Grandma and Grandpa’s every Christmas to set up the decorations, including the little Dickensian village. Donna used to do Grandma’s laundry so she could buy the laundry detergent with a dinner dish inside the box to add to her hope chest. Donna liked helping Grandma plan parties. She was fun, funny and sincere. I regret not having been able to come back to Michigan more often to visit, and I am very sad that she will not be there when I do.
Bonnie will not be able to attend the funeral as she has a broken arm and cannot drive. Sadly, Annie and I will not be able to come either—California is just a bit too far. But there are so many of you in her family, and our hearts go out to you all. Donna was a very special person, and we shall all remember her fondly.
With our deepest sympathy, Lon & Annie
I feel so bad I can’t be there. Aunt Donna was there for me when I needed someone and didn’t realize it. Her soft nod gave me courage. Her encouragement and faith in me meant so much. The big moments in my life she was there watching my back. She surprised me at Julia’s baptism and was there in moms place. ( long story). When I left a bad situation she was there without knowing. When missi needed advise which was hardly ever aunt Donna was there. She also gave me an uncle I’m proud of and cousins I love dearly. I may not be there tomorrow but I’m here for you guys always. I love you guys. I see her in all you guys.
I had the pleasure of working with Donna at BCBSM. She was the sweetest spirit, always calming and nurturing.
I learned so much from her: in the field of work and in life.
Rest in heaven Donna
I’m so sorry to Russ and all of you for your loss. Donna built a whole life out of love, and you are all a part of it. I will always remember my cousin for her warmth and kindness. My thoughts are with you all.
Hi grannie bear. It’s been a year and 5 days without you and honestly life isn’t getting much easier. It’s hard to deal with you being gone. I miss you. You were my bestfriend. You were my Idol. I can’t be any more thankful for the bond we had. I’m beyond blessed I got to be super close to you for my whole life until you passed away. You were the greatest person. I love you so much. Thank you for being my bestfriend for 17 years. You changed my life more than you will ever know. Thank you for always being there when I needed you the most. Every single day I see something or hear something that reminds me of you. Every single day I have something I wish I could just pick up my phone and dial your number and call you and tell you all about it. I can’t now, but I know you’re watching down on me. I love you and I miss you endlessly. Thank you grannie bear ❤️