Heaven received another angel when Donna C. Sawicki, age 90, of Gaylord, passed away at home on May 5, 2019.
Donna was born in Detroit, August 12, 1928, to Robert and Evelyn (Louks) Lytle. She married Richard Sawicki on November 8, 1947. Together they raised five children and were married 63 years prior to Rich’s passing in 2010.
Donna graduated from Utica High School in 1945 and while living in Utica, Michigan she taught sewing for the Utica Community Schools and later worked for attorney, Fred H. Beck. Donna and her family moved to Gaylord, in 1973 and opened the Sausage Chalet (deli). Donna also worked at an abstract office and as a deputy clerk for Otsego County. After retirement from the county, she worked for the law office of John Dennany and volunteered her time during elections. She loved to paint, crochet, cook, read, watch John Wayne movies or any classic movie, wildlife critters, bird watching and kittens. Donna was an avid Pistons fan and loved having her family together for any occasion, which is what made her truly happy. She was known by her grandkids as “BMX grandma”.
Donna is survived by her children, Mary Freeman, Tom (Val) Sawicki, Phil (Nancy) Sawicki, Kathy (John) Winter and Bob (Heather) Sawicki; grandkids, Shonda Michelson, Jenn Bunday, Philip Sawicki, Richelle McKay, D.J. Freeman, Danielle Higley, Lizzy Winter, Joe Winter, Claire Sawicki and Cate Sawicki; great grandkids, Skylar Szymanski, Keylee, Alex and Taylor Sky Freeman, Kara Bunday, Bleiler McKay, Addyson and Mikaela Higley.
Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. from the Nelson Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, (May 8) beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Otsego County Animal Shelter or the Gaylord Middle School Veterans Day program.
11 comments on “Donna C. Sawicki”
Such a warm soul, she was a beautiful woman inside and out. My life was blessed by knowing her. Heaven received a special angel when she took her last breath here on earth and her first one in Heaven. Thoughts and prayers for the family. Rest in peace and play that piano for the angels.
She was quite a busy lady. She worked a lot of years at many jobs plus, raised a fine family. God Bless her and your family.She had a great impact on her community- both here in Utica and Gaylord.
To the Sawicki Family, Both your Mom and Dad were great people. We always loved seeing them in the store. You should be very proud of the great parents that raised you. Your Mom always had such a beautiful smile That made me happy. I’m sorry for your loss, but just know that Heaven received a beautiful Angel.
Peggy Borst-Botens
To the Sawicki Family, Your Mom was always a warm, kind and gentle soul. I’m so sorry for your loss.
I’m sorry I can’t make it my dear friend! God bless you all. I love you 💕❤️
I’m so sad to hear of Donna’s passing. She was a wonderful friend and I enjoyed my times together with her. Always enriching. I loved her and your Dad very much. Now they are together again. God bless all of you.
I loved watching over your mom. She was more my friend than anything. We shared stories and laughs. I will always think highly of her. She is my queen, always.
Melanie Gehringer
To the Sawicki family, I know that she is in heaven with your other family members as well as with my parents too.
I have a tattoo and this is what it reads; “Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day.” I truly believe that saying.
Love from the Stanton Family.
(Janice)
Had so much affection and respect for Donna. May she Rest In Peace.
Sorry to hear of your Mothers passing. Our Prayers are with you.
Bob and Connie Morton
Galesburg, Mi.
I was just thinking of Donna yesterday! She also taught sewing classes at night for adults in Gaylord. I took several classes from her in the mid 70’s.
She is always on my mind when I cut out patterns and stitch them together! Her legacy will always live on as long as I continue to sew costumes for the many players my daughter directs!
God bless you all!