Donna Jean Bochenek, 87, passed away on September 26, 2020. Born on March 16, 1933 in Bowling Green, Ohio, she was preceded in death by her parents Clarence Foos and Clara Neiling Foos, and seven of her siblings: Marie, Hilda, Helen, Robert, Margaret, Howard, and James.
Donna was baptized in the Catholic Church and was devoted to the teachings of the Catholic faith throughout her life. She graduated from Mercy School of Nursing in Toledo, OH in 1954 and was a Registered Nurse for 45 years providing compassionate care with specialties in obstetrical and emergency nursing. In June 1955, she met the love of her life, Dale Bochenek, on a blind date. The attraction was immediate and they were united in Holy Matrimony in June 1956 in Donna’s hometown of Bowling Green, OH. They moved to Michigan in 1964 where they raised their five children.
Donna had a passion for gardening, flower arranging, crocheting, and sewing, but her biggest passion was her family. She dedicated much of her time to her five active children and was their biggest cheerleader and strongest ally. The children could always count on Donna to be a mentor: she had the perfect recipe for infusing kindness, humor, and patience into challenging situations. Donna maintained a close, affectionate, and playful relationship with her six grandchildren. The strong, intergenerational connections resulted in giving the grandchildren a sense of security and family traditions. She always welcomed the grandchildren to her home for the holidays to keep honoring the legacy of the family traditions. Donna and Dale retired to Florida and later relocated to Cary, NC.
She is survived by her husband of 64 years: Dale Bochenek, of Cary, NC; by her children: Ellen (Peter) Naruns, Los Altos, CA; Laura (Mark) Smith, Valrico, FL; Ann (John) Gbruoski, Raleigh, NC; David (Sarah) Bochenek, Ann Arbor, MI; and Catherine Bochenek, Oakwood, GA. She is also survived by six grandchildren: Natalie Naruns, Nathaniel Smith, Nicholas Naruns, Jessica Smith, James Gbruoski, and Kaitlyn Gbruoski. Donna is also survived by her siblings: Ray Foos, Mary Lou Reimer, Jane Horner, and Tom Foos, and many nieces and nephews.
Private Services are being held for the family due to present health precautions. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Donna’s memory to St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church – 804 High House Road – Cary, NC 27513 or to a charity of choice focusing on healthcare/first responders.
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