Donna J. Fowler Obituary (1942 - 2014)

Donna J. Fowler, 71, of Bloomington, passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2014 at LeRoy Manor, LeRoy, Illinois.Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 25, 2014 at St. Patrick Church of Merna with Monsignor Gerald T. Ward officiating. Entombment will be in the mausoleum of East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Friday, January 24, 2014 at Carmody-Flynn Williamsburg Funeral Home, Bloomington, with a prayer service at 3:45 p.m.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Donnas honor to the "Remember When Ride" to benefit the McLean County Alzheimers Association Greater Illinois Chapter or to OSF Hospice.Donna was born June 11, 1942 in Deer Creek Township, the daughter of John and Marcella Stamm Witzig. She married Michael W. Fowler on April 17, 1976 at St. Patricks Church, Bloomington. He survives.Also surviving are her daughter, Tamara L. Anderson and granddaughter, Jessica Lynn Anderson, both of Bloomington; two brothers, Gerald (Ann) Witzig of Tremont and Ronald (Betty) Witzig of Gilmer, Texas; mother-in-law, Patricia Fowler of LeRoy; brothers and sisters-in-law, Ronald (Terry) Fowler of Bloomington, Sister Beverly A. Fowler of Cottage Grove, WI, Bill (Dan Fedie) Fowler of Louisville, KY, Kathy (Michael) Walden of McLean and Wally (Sue Nafziger) Fowler of Towanda; her treasured nieces and nephews, many special friends and her beloved dog, Gabby.Donna was a 1960 graduate of McLean High School. She worked as a coordinator for General Telephone for 29 years, retiring in 1992. She was a member of St. Patrick Church of Merna and was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Hungarian Family Society.Donna loved to sew and had a flair for decorating. She made many beautiful keepsakes for her home, family and friends. Donna loved music, especially Elvis Presley. She enjoyed scrapbooking and making special memory albums to share with those she loved. Donnas most memorable moments were times spent caring for her adorable dog, Gabby, traveling to places she loved to visit, and most of all riding with her husband Mike on their Harley.Donnas mother-in-law, Patricia Fowler, provide much needed reassurance, comfort and love throughout this past year for which we are very grateful. Much appreciation goes to the staff at LeRoy Manor and to OSF Hospice for their care and support during this most difficult time.Donna, together with her husband, Mike, formed the Remember When Ride in 2006 to increase awareness and raise much needed funds for local Alzheimers programs. Donnas commitment to fighting this disease is an inspiration to all of us. Throughout the many faces of Alzheimers disease, Donna fought through it with grace, dignity, determination and beauty in a way that only she could do. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved her.