Dona Michele Hullihen

Dona Michele Hullihen (Michener) lost her courageous battle with ovarian cancer on March 5, 2025. She died peacefully at her daughter’s home in New Orleans, LA. She is survived by her daughter, Melissa Siwiec, wife of Wendell Esbenshade; her beloved grandson, Max Mele; her sister, Lila Resh, wife of Bruce Resh; her brother, Jim Michener, husband of Kim Michener; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was reunited in the afterlife with her son, Jeffery (Red) Siwiec, who passed away in 2012, which was the most heartbreaking moment of her life.

She was born on St. Patrick’s Day, exactly one year after her brother, Patrick Michener, who passed away in 2017. She was born in Charleroi, PA, but grew up in Fairless Hills, PA. As an adult, she and her family moved to Lancaster, PA, where she became a successful real estate agent, broker, and appraiser. She started her career in the 1980s and quickly became a top salesperson and entrepreneur. She moved to North Myrtle Beach, SC, and continued her real estate career until she retired. She was a natural leader and mentored many young agents.

Dona was a gentle, friendly soul. She continued life-long friendships with school friends and left a legacy of kindness to new friends. She was a fan of laughing so hard she snorted (the more snorts, the better), wine, and her family. She absolutely adored her sole grandchild, Max, and couldn’t stop talking about him to others. She was a quiet warrior, infusing strength and love into the world when others told her she could or should not. She never listened, and with good reason.

Celebrations of Dona’s life will be scheduled in the near future. Donations in her memory can be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, PO Box 32141, New York, NY 10087-2141.