DONNA DONLEY
Donna Donley went to be with her Lord on March 19th, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Donna Jean McCarthy was born on September 3, 1957 to Raymond and Ruby (Nyhus) McCarthy in Menomonie, being the youngest of five children. She grew up in rural Glenwood City being raised in a strong Lutheran family. Donna was confirmed at Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Glenwood City later becoming a member of Peace Lutheran of Menomonie. She attended Glenwood City area schools being active in band, cheerleading and many other activities. She was proud to represent Glenwood City with pride when crowned Miss Glenwood City.
Donna graduated with the GCHS class of 1975 and she worked her way through college starting out as a bank teller at First Federal of Eau Claire at the Thunderbird Mall while attending UW-Stout. Donna worked her way up to a position of branch manager which she enjoyed the many challenges and friendships found along that journey.
On Sept. 24, 1988, she was united in marriage to her best friend, Michael Donley, and they were blessed with a beautiful daughter, Rachel Jo Lenore, on Dec. 3, 1996. This was the proudest day of her life when they had their daughter and from that day forth Donna made it her goal to retire early becoming a full time mother and homemaker.
She devoted her time to her family, fully enjoying all of the dance events that Rachel took part in and she loved cheering on the Menomonie Mustangs in all sports. Donna and Mike loved their trips to Duluth and also enjoyed many road trips to Wabasha. She loved family gatherings and was very devoted to her sister Susan Strehlo and family. Donna enjoyed the simple pleasures in life…a good cup of coffee and fresh slice of pie enjoyed with friends, a scenic drive, staying in contact with friends and relatives on Facebook and she loved bonfires. Donna was a wonderful wife, mother, aunt and godmother. She gave of herself to others in need and had the most amazing caring heart.
Donna is survived by her beautiful daughter, Rachel Jo Lenore of Menomonie; father Raymond McCarthy of Glenwood City; brother Ronald McCarthy (Katharine) of Bloomington MN; sister Susan Strehlo of Glenwood City; brother Jim McCarthy (Carol) of Glenwood City; godchildren Clinton Rassbach, Scott Strehlo, Noah Wyss and Marissa Chevalier and sister-in-laws Sue Bauer (Brian Johnson) of Menomonie and Becki Donley of Germany.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 24 years, Mike; mother Ruby McCarthy; brother Wayne McCarthy and brother-in-law Joseph Strehlo, Sr.
Donna will be greatly missed by her cousins, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and many other friends and family members.
Visitation was held on Monday, March 23rd at Peace Lutheran Church in Menomonie and services were held on Tuesday, March 24th also at Peace Lutheran Church. Burial took place in the Oakwood Cemetery, Hersey.
The family was assisted by Anderson Funeral Home of Glenwood City.