Just learned of Donna's passing 90 minutes ago, as WHHS Class of '74, is finalizing things for 50th Reunion!  
ALL would agree that she passed away way too young! 
My sincere condolences to you, Barry, and daughters, Nick, Terry, Lynn, Shirley, and Ron, as well as your families.

Making spicy pretzels, chocolate peanut clusters, and buckeyes at Donna's house for the holidays! Thinking of you today, my friend. ❤️

Our friendship started in 1965 in elementary school and onto junior high, Girl Scouts, college roommates, Dental Hygiene, weddings and years apart, but Donna was a forever friend  who was always positive and we could pick up where we left off at any time. I treasure this photo of my last visit with Donna and her beautiful smile.

To Donna's family; this is v ery nice to receive this notice and went oh  my goodness how time flies. its been a year! I like to remember Donna during all days that she was around keeping us together as Buckeyes! It was pure joy to be together for all sports events for she really knew how to keep us in touch. She is a blessing. Hope the family is doing well and moving on with liveliness for that is what Donna wanted you all to be; wake up each morning and smile like her!
Go Buckeyes, Aleta Marlyn Katonak [ my deceased spouse David Allen was the Buckeye.

Dear Barry, I am so sorry to hear of this loss. No words can describe of a loss at such an early age and of one whom have done so much for mankind. A while back Donna had asked me about David and what I have been doing. This type of contact was so dear to me, that she remembered our gatherings; never forgot the one in your TV room! I am also sorry to not attend the funeral, for I have some medical issues and hopefully resolved by this coming week. At this stage of the game, all of us baby boomers are facing many losses and makes you wonder about all the bad stuff going around, that I decided let's wake up each morning and enjoy the day and not let anything really bother yourself. The sun is shining on us, and I think Donna is shining on us now too and expects us all to go on and enjoy the days to come. 
Hugging you, Barry and your kids, and grandkids, Aleta Marlyn Katonak whose husband deceased husband, David was a Go Buckeye alumni!


She was simply the best. One of the finest human beings that I’ve ever known, and I feel honored to have called her sister-in-law and friend for almost 50 years. Donna was a doer. As an organizer, a leader, a volunteer, a sister, a mother, and a wife she  showed me and I’m sure others whose lives she touched how to give and I’ll be forever grateful for her example. It’s an influence that I hope to carry with me in celebrating her life. My love to Barry, Jill, and Amy.

What a wonderful and caring person,
Nicest Buckeye I ever knew.
Rick Clay

I met Donna 25 years ago when her sweet daughter Amy was in my 2nd grade class.  She was my room parent and gave so much of her time and self to make sure the students had a great year.  Then, three years ago, I was so surprised to get reacquainted with her through GRWGA, our ladies golf association., I will miss her kind heart , big smiles, and her laugh for sure❤️

Lily meets Aunt Donna for the first time. Donna was a natural with children. She left her indelible  mark on our family. 

Donna treated our grandchildren like her own.  She will be dearly missed by all of us.

Gone too soon. So many wonderful times together. Rest In Peace my friend. 

My sister is the most wonderful person in my life.  The cheerleader, the coordinator, the tailgater. Always sending me hints and new ideas for things she discovered.  Donna was always there for me and my family – no matter what was going on in our lives.

I am so proud of being Donna’s little sister.  Last year she told me that her and Barry would be retiring and moving to Florida.  We spent most of our adult years living in different cities.  I longed to live close to my sister.  I asked her if we could grow old together in Florida.  I then approached my husband about living close to Donna & Barry and his own sister in Florida.  We immediately followed Donna & Barry in their path to build homes to Citrus Hills.  Every palm tree that I see will forever remind me of my sister.

So Special…
So Loved…
So Unforgettable…
A remarkable woman and her beautiful spirit will never be forgotten.


I was lucky to get to know Donna when we both went to Washington DC to advocate for more research for Metastatic Breast  Cancer (MBC) and law changes to help MBC patients. She was a beautiful person inside and out. I was so sorry to hear that this horrible disease took her much too soon. I am the lone woman with MBC still alive in this picture from when we met in 2019. 

From AZ to WI and what felt like every state in between, we cheered on the Buckeyes!  When I lived far from my family, Donna always made me feel like I was part of hers (I still dream of those spicy pretzel deliveries).   She was an amazing person who touched the lives of many.

Donna and I worked side by side for years as hygienists. I admired Donna for her caring, personable and professional character.  She excelled not only in her profession, but in her relationships. Donna was always there for whoever needed her with love and sacrifice.
Love and miss you Donna!

Making this in memory of a very wonderful lady, who made it for me on more than one occasion. Donna was uniquely gifted in her ability to have camaraderie with people of all ages, even class clown teenagers. She was a treasure.

Sally and I are so sorry for Donna's passing.  We have been neighbors to Barry & Donna for many, many years and have treasured our association with the whole family.  A tragic loss of a very brave and courageous woman who was a great ambassador for MBC.  We will miss her.  Bob  & Sally Doran

I was sooo pleased to have met you, Mr. Waters at our 2014 Class Reunion! You were such a gentleman and everything I expected to have landed our High School Queen!  I can’t remember a season that went by that Donna wasn’t cheering for her classmates since eighth grade while, creating and carving out her own excellence! God’s Grace be upon you Sir, along with both families and her loving friends!-Zeek 

What a lady - a sister, a Mother, Aunt, Godmother and friend to everyone. I was able to get back to Grand Rapids three times since January to see her and share memories… Donna was always planning family reunions and making sure everyone enjoyed themselves. Even the last one, just a year ago in Michigan. Donna was kind and generous and I’ll never be as tough as her. Thanks for teaching us so much about life, love, caring and so much more. I’ll miss you and will ski ya again…

Donna gave 110%  to everything she did.  She taught me so much about friendship, loyalty, kindness, and how to yell O-H-I-O!! (I’m still not very good at that😁).  It was a good day in the office  when Donna was by my side.  And, when she planned something, you’d better be ready for lots of food and drinks and laughter!  I’m blessed to have known her.  
Peace, my friend.


Every moment spent with Donna was uplifting. In this photo we’re all enjoying the rewards of her labor putting together an amazing bridal shower for niece/goddaughter Angela. If Donna was involved, you just KNEW you were going to have a great time. 

Clay and I are so sorry to hear about Donna's passing. We are so thankful to her for including us in the West Michigan Buckeye club. She will be deeply missed, and will always be remembered as having a heart of gold. Sending our deepest sympathy's to your family during this difficult time. We will be donating to the METAvivor in her honor. Sincerely, Danielle Hirka & Clay Moerman


Barry and family, I am so sorry for your loss.  Donna was a  tremendous volunteer for the West Michigan Alumni Club, with a passion for Ohio State that inspired others to get involved.  I wish we had more volunteers like Donna.  Know that all of us in Columbus at the Association will be keeping all of you in our thoughts.  

Sincerely, Craig Little
The Ohio State University Alumni Association

This is Dental Anatomy Table 1 (and some) from our days at Ohio State in the DHY program.  Since we sat alphabetically lol, I clearly remember looking over at Donna in lab, the classroom and in clinic because she was always calm, positive and encouraging when we all needed it.  She bolstered our confidence when graduation goals seemed impossible.  Many of us were fortunate to get together a few times over the decades, share stories and laugh ourselves silly.  We kept in contact to share our family life and career highs and lows.  Donna ~ always a smile and a generous spirit.  I was very fortunate to meet her during college, to have her as a friend to lean on during DHY struggles, to serve as a bridesmaid when she and Barry married, to share in her joy when Jillian and Amy were born.  She will be very missed.  
Love and prayers for strength and comfort. 

From fourth grade to Girl Scouts, sleepovers with basement shuffle board and so much fun, to college roommates and dental hygiene to Scott and Barry, and each other’s weddings, Donna is a forever friend full of grace and a gentle spirit.  I am a better person for having her in my life.  

My sister graced this world for sixty-six years.  With a quite smile and unassuming presence her joy and thrill was bringing people together, …to enjoy life, …to enjoy the moment, …and to enjoy one another.  Family, friends, O-H-I-O alumni, and so many others always on her list.  This was Donna.  She will be dearly missed.   

When we were facing a challenge in our life, Barry and Donna opened their hearts and their home to come and visit and play some golf to get some relief from the stress. Donna knew hospitality and grace and gave us great comfort during our visit. Our prayers are with the Waters and Abramovich family that the Lord will comfort their hearts. 
 
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. - Psalm 34:18

The “joy of the Lord” was Donna’s strength, and allowed her to continue moving forward with grace, humility,  and passion for squeezing every drop out of life she could. No one embraced life better than Donna; whether before or during her cancer journey. I will always be blown away by her overall character of kindness, thoughtfulness, selflessness, energy,  and compassion. I seriously want to be like her when I grow up! Much love and sympathy to Barry, Jillian, Amy and their spouses, as well as to the Abramovich family. 

There is only one person I think of when I hear the call O-H-I-O and she has left this world and left our hearts broken after a brave battle.  Thanks for making all our lives richer and full of wonderful memories, Aunt Donna💜💜💜

So sorry about Donna's passing. Condolences from me and Noreen and our entire family.  From Tony Baker, cousin.

My favorite Buckeye. I will miss you forever ❤️ 

A cheerleader always and always remembered that way.  Don Williams

I had the privilege of working with Donna for many years. She was a great mentor in the dental industry. Her passion for her profession was contagious. She loved learning and teaching. She had a zest for life and adventure and always included others to LIVE along with her! Donna always made it a point to remember details, birthdays, life events...a true gem to be forever cherished! 

OBITUARY

Donna Marie Waters

May 1, 1956 – July 1, 2022

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