Donna Marie Steele

Donna Marie Steele, of Pinson, AL, was born in Granite City, Illinois on September 19, 1943 and passed away peacefully on March 8, 2017 at the age of 73. She was a lifelong seamstress, first in menswear then bridal wear. She worked with the Mr. Burch family for several years. She was a long distance truck driver for more than 10 years with her beloved husband. Most folks would recognize her as Mrs. Clause when she traveled with her Santa.

Donna was preceded in death by her loving husband, John Steele “Santa” and a son Donald “Buddy” Palovchik. She is survived by her son, Steve Shaffer (Cindy); daughters, Tammy Houser (Steve) and Shelly Shaffer; sisters, Charlene Burgess (Jim), Deborah Herren; grandchildren, Jessica DeYoung (Jeremy), Brandon Shaffer (Laura), Bryanna Strader (Brandon), Bailey Smith and Garrett Smith; great grandchildren, Ian, Noah, Carter, Tayla, Roman, and Hadessah; a host of family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel, Saturday, March 11th, at 5:00pm with visitation to begin at 4:00pm.

rrangements under the direction of Ridout's Gardendale Chapel, Gardendale, AL.