Donna Jean Doney

WAKEFIELD, Mich. — Donna Jean Doney, 76, of Wakefield, died on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She was born Sept. 26, 1946, in Marenisco, the daughter of Roy and Delcie (Hicks) Dean.

Donna attended Marenisco schools graduating with the class of 1964. She attended beauty school in Marquette where she met the love of her life, Donald Doney from Wakefield. They married on Aug. 21, 1965, at the Assembly of God Church in Ironwood.

Donna started her beauty career in Ironwood. After working for various shops, she struck out on her own and created the “Beauty Boutique,” first in White Pine and then in Wakefield on the Boulevard. After retiring, she managed B.J.’s Beauty, becoming wonderful friends with Betty Swett. When it became time to retire once again, she reopened the Beauty Boutique.

Donna also was employed at Gogebic Mental Health. She was a personal care giver, working at the numerous homes for developmentally disabled adults. It was what she did to give the voiceless a chance to be heard and love to those who needed hope.

Donna will be remembered for her sassy disposition, her love of sweets, her selfless acts, and her love of family. Her favorite place on earth was camping on the shore of Lake Superior at Little Girl’s Point or in the backyard with the grandkids. Each of her grandchildren, who knew her as Nan, know that she made the hurts easier, the accomplishments greater and the successes sweeter. She was always willing to be a grandma to anyone who needed one. We are sure she walked through the pearly gates with a purse full of Double Bubble bubblegum.

She is survived by her husband, Don of 57 years; her daughter, Dana (Brad) Grayvold of Bonduel, Wisconsin; her son, Dean (Sheri) of Wakefield; her grandchildren, Brady (Lexi) Grayvold, Bailey (Michael Esiobu) Grayvold, Britta (Brian Dobrich) Grayvold, Dillon (Carissa) Hine, Cody Hine, Breann (Austin) Ellias and Rebeka (Tony) Bresette; her great-grandchildren, Macie, Nash, Everlee, Drake, Ridge and Lincoln; her brother, Bobby (Linda) Dean of Dixon, Tennessee; sister, Evelyn Hill of Lodi, Wisconsin; sister-in-law, Maxine Doney; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Mary Brunelle, Ronald Dean and Stewart Dean; her sisters-in-law, Diane Dean, Ethel Doney and Patricia Doney; her brothers-in-law, Carl Hill and Robert Brunelle, and Richard Doney, David Doney and Edward Doney.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.