Donna Slade

With her beautiful smile and infectious laughter, Donna Slade brought such warmth and love to the lives of those around her. She was a wonderful mother who adored her children and considered caring for them to be a great privilege. Donna enjoyed sharing relationships with her lifelong friends and loved having a good time. She made numerous memories with her family and friends throughout her life – memories which have become such special treasures.

Eugene and Donna (Mcconnell) Zalewski as it was in 1964 that they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Donna Joy, on December 29th in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Donna was one of four children in her family and her father worked at Best Way Moving and Storage while her mother was a homemaker who cared for their active family. She was raised in the family home on Tremont Blvd. on the northwest side of the city. Donna attended Holy Spirit Elementary School and West Catholic High School where she was actively involved in a variety of sports programs. She was always very sports-minded and played softball, basketball, and also participated in cheerleading along with her best friends, Jeannie Paspiech and Pam Clark. In fact, these three girls would go on to be lifelong friends. Donna remained active throughout her life riding her bike as well.

It was while she was in tenth grade that Donna became acquainted with a fellow classmate named Mark Slade. The two began a dating relationship while in high school which eventually blossomed into true love. Donna graduated from West Catholic as part of the class of 1982 and just two years later, she married the love of her life, Mark, in 1984. They welcomed two children of their own into their hearts and home, their daughter Sarah and their son Matthew. Donna completely embraced her role as a mother and did an excellent job of caring for her children. It was easy to see that her family was her greatest source of pride and joy and that she considered raising her children to be her highest calling. Some of the happiest times their family enjoyed together were when they were camping throughout Michigan, most notably at Crystal Lake located about 25 miles southwest of Traverse City.

In addition to caring for her family, there were other interests that Donna enjoyed pursuing. She was a wonderful baker of many sweet treats including cookies and desserts, but her chicken casserole was her most requested dish. After her children were a bit older, she found employment as a dental hygienist. She was also a great card player who was exceptionally good at setback and rummy.

There are so many ways in which Donna Slade will be remembered. She was always a sharp dresser with a great sense of fashion whose look was almost always accompanied by her warm smile. Donna’s infectious laughter was always such a welcome sound whether she was having fun with her family or friends. She was a precious daughter, a beloved mother, and dear friend whose memory will live on in the hearts and lives of all those she leaves behind. Donna will be so dearly missed, her life ended much too soon.

Donna Joy Slade of Grand Rapids died unexpectedly in her sleep, on Wednesday, November 4, 2009. Donna’s family includes her children, Sarah and Matthew Slade, their father, Mark Slade; her son, Wade; her mother, Mrs. Jean Zalewski; her brothers and sister, David (Cheri) Zalewski, Carol (Mike) Zeeff, Dan Zalewski; her dear friend, Pam Westers; as well as other aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Eugene Zalewski. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday morning, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 2230 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Visitation will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until Mass begins at 10:00 a.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign her online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to Mel Trotter Ministries.