Shirley Ann Donn
March 14, 1935 ~ August 13, 2026
Born in:
Kitchener, Ontario
Resided in:
Decorah , Iowa
Shirley Ann Donn, age 91, of Decorah, formerly of Lawler, died Thursday, August 13, 2026, at her home in Decorah, surrounded by loved ones.
A Memorial Mass will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler with Rev. Tyler Raymond celebrating the Mass. Inurnment will be held at a later date.
Friends may greet the family from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Lawler prior to the service.
Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton has been entrusted with arrangements.
Shirley was born on March 14, 1935, in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada, to Leo and Beatrice Julien. In 1952, her family moved to Pasadena, California, where she met the love of her life, Ronald L. Donn. They were married on February 13, 1954, in Arcadia, California, and shared more than 72 years of marriage together.
Faith and family were the most important parts of Shirley’s life. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who cherished the time she spent with her family. She was a wonderful person to know and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Shirley was a voracious reader, amazing cook, loved doing the New York Times crossword puzzle (absolutely no cheating!), enjoyed counted cross stitch, and playing bridge. She also loved to travel and was fortunate to visit nearly all 50 states, as well as Canada and Mexico.
Shirley is survived by her loving husband of more than 72 years, Ronald L. Donn; her daughters, Leslie Cuvelier (John), Lisa Donn (Paul Chinn), Laurie Van Loo (Keith), and Linda Dwyer (Scott); Cassandra Donn (Jeremy Bessire); 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; her brother, Richard Julien of Mission Viejo, California; and his family.
She was preceded in death by her son, Christopher Carl Donn, her great-granddaughter, Natalie Rose Kuhn and great-grandson Elliott Iverson Crain.
In accordance with Shirley’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to WinnMed Hospice in Decorah, Iowa, whose compassionate care was so meaningful to Shirley and her family.
Shirley leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, love, family, and memories that will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
641-394-4334
Services
Visitation: August 22, 2026 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church
2940 Iowa Highway 24
Lawler, IA 52154
6413944334
Memorial Mass: August 22, 2026 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church
2940 Iowa Highway 24
Lawler, IA 52154
6413944334
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My sympathies to the Donn family. I remember what a calm , loving person your mom was, and the many unique and delicious meals she made. I was introduced to Mexican cuisine at you home as I spent quite a few days with Lisa growing up. Your mom is a beautiful soul🙏Hold on to the memories 🥰
Our deepest sympathy to the family of Shirley. Keep the memories you have close to your heart.
Dan and Karen (King) Rosonke
So sorry for your loss. Sympathy and prayers for you as you go thru this difficult time.
We send our sincere condolences to the Donn Family.
Sympathies to Ron and family on your loss. Thoughts and prayers 🙏 to all of you.
Deepest sympathy to the Donn family.
My sympathy to the Donn family
Lyn (Meissen) Bailey
My heartfelt sympathy to all of you. May God gently hold Shirley in the palm of his hand and give her peace and rest after a very full life well lived. Holding all of you in prayer.
Leslie, John, and family,
Sympathy to you as you cherish the memories of your mom, mother-in-law, grandma, and great-grandma. May the love you shared continue through your family as you walk through the days ahead.
Shirley was a gem and we will never forget the fun and laughs when you got snowed in while passing thru Colorado along with other fond memories of a full life well lived !
Sending sympathies to Ron and the entire Donn clan from the Canadian cousins. Shirley was such a treasured family member, bringing both calm and joy and celebration to every gathering, at the cottage in Southampton and beyond. We all have such wonderful memories of her to hold on to.
Thinking of you all during this very difficult time, knowing she lived an excellent, full life filled with love.
Love,
Nancy and Kim
Ahh, Mr. Donn, my very favorite teacher, I’m so sorry you must feel this incredible loss. She was a beautiful, perfect partner for you!