Donna Lee Dalenberg

Donna Lee Dalenberg passed away on Tuesday October 7, 2025 at the age of 99. Donna was born on 7/28/26 in Ozawkie, Kansas and grew up in Buffalo, New York. Donna was a beloved stay at home mom for the most part, but did have an Associate Degree from Delta College that she put to good use in a variety of jobs, including counseling, teaching (art), and support services in junior high school. She was actively involved in Warren Avenue Church in Saginaw, Michigan during the early years of her marriage, and then in Westminster Presbyterian and Pleasant Hill Church of Christ in Tennessee. Her passionate interests and hobbies included singing, painting, reading, scrabble, and long talks with friends. Donna lost her much-loved husband, Paul Dalenberg, in 1999. She is survived by her three daughters, Deborah Lee Gumucio, Constance Jean Dalenberg, and Elizabeth Ruth Gilliam and eight grandchildren.

Donna lived life to the fullest up until her last week of life when she bested her oldest daughter in scrabble by 50 points. She was in the midst of finishing her 150th paint by number masterpiece, and had recently completed one of dozens of poems at the time of her death. She was a staunch supporter of human rights and was campaign volunteer for Obama into her 90s. She spoke her mind on behalf of herself and those she loved. She was devoted a friend to many, and was particularly grateful in her final years to Patty, Jared, Miranda, Katie, and Nancy for their loving support and friendship. The family would like to thank Storypoint and University of Michigan Palliative Care for the compassion they showed Donna in her final days. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life at Storypoint, 6230 S. State, Saline, MI, on Saturday, Oct. 11th at 11 am. A light lunch will be provided. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Donna’s honor to Southern Poverty Law Center at secure.splcenter.org.