Donna J. Smith

Donna J. (Whitcomb) Smith lost her courageous battle with cancer in the afternoon on Wednesday, September 7, 2016, at Eastlake Nursing and Rehab, Elkhart. Just six days after losing her daughter Kathleen who was also battling cancer.

She was born September 2nd, 1936 in Richmond, Indiana and had just celebrated her 80th birthday. She leaves behind the love of her life, Martin L. Smith. They would have celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on September 16th.

“A mother’s love is the heart of the family.”

She is survived by her loving husband Martin L. Smith, by her beloved children, Patricia L. Leer of Elkhart, Martin W. (Mike) Smith of Elkhart, and Christine A. (Richard) Hack of Bristol. Three dearly loved grandsons, Nicholas Leer of Elkhart, Andrew (Ashley) Hack of Bristol, Eric Smith of Elkhart, a charming granddaughter, Alaina Mendoza of Elkhart, along with a precious great granddaughter Anastasia Hack of Bristol. Also left behind is a brother John (Estelle) Cates of Sand Cap, KY. Other dear to heart family members are, Michael Leer, Lisa Smith, and Scott Weatherspoon, and a loving little furry pup named Marley. Donna was preceded in death by her beautiful daughter Kathleen J. Smith, and a cherished grandson Christopher M. Smith, adopted parents Harry R. and Lillian G. (Shelt) Whitcomb, a brother Ronnie Whitcomb, half-brother George (Melinda) Steward of Fort Pierce, Fl, and several other siblings that were adopted into other families.

Donna was a 1954 graduate of Elkhart High School where she was a cheerleader. She was employed by Ziesel’s in Elkhart where she met her future husband Martin. Donna was a member of the Red Hat’s, and the class of 1954 ladies luncheon group. Her hobbies included collecting music boxes and dolls. She had sympathy of passion for all wildlife and animals. Donna enjoyed playing piano and occasional karaoke at home with her daughter Kathy. Donna was a conversationalist. I’m sure many of you are smiling with that being said. She could start talking to a complete stranger and an hour later had a new friend. Her unconditional love for her family showed in everything she did. Her Christmas tree was filled full of red ornaments with every family name written upon each, the aroma of her thanksgiving dinners filled the house and was just like home should always smell and dinner was always served with ironed tablecloths and nice china; no paper allowed, birthdays were filled with fun, laughter, and memories of happy times, and her heart was filled with the overflowing love of her husband and family.

Deep heartfelt thanks & gratitude goes out to Dr. Jin & staff, Erin Buckles, Hospice of Elkhart, and Elkhart Nursing and Rehab along with all of the neighbors and friends that helped not only Donna, but Kathy and the rest of the family during these difficult times.
Please join us in remembering Donna at a joint visitation with her daughter Kathy from 4-8 pm on Thursday Sept. 15th at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home in Elkhart where visitation will also be from 1 pm to 2 pm on Friday, Sept. 16th. A joint service with her daughter Kathy will be held at 2 pm at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at Chapel of Memories Mausoleum, Rice Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to: 2nd Chance Dog Rescue, Elkhart, Center for Hospice Care, Elkhart, United Cancer Services of Elkhart County.

“If there is ever a tomorrow that we are not together, there is one thing you should always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter that you think. But the most important thing is: even if we’re apart, I will always be with you in heart.” Winnie the Pooh