Donna Marie Merz

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Donna Marie Merz passed away on Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, in Wakefield.

"Death is not extinguishing the light. It is putting out the lamp because the dawn has come."

-Rabindranath Tagore

Donna was born in Galena, Kansas, on Nov. 25, 1939, to Eula Marie (Kohl) and Lee Jackson.

She married Jackson Edward Shuping Jr. and they had two children, Jackson (Peggy) Edward Shuping III and Cindy Lou (Joe) Brozzo. Jackson Jr. proceeded her in death.

She married Joseph Martin Merz. They had two children, Joseph Lee (Mary) Merz and Debra Marie Merz. Joseph Martin and Debra Marie Merz both proceeded her in death.

She was further proceeded in death by three brothers, Ronnie Jackson, Gene Jackson and Roger Jackson; as well as her grandchild, Jessica Hotchkiss; and niece, Tracy Curtis.

"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." -Thucydides

Donna shared many personal and professional achievements. She was a popular local photographer, bartender and owner at the former Spehar's bar, and was proud of working for J. Edgar Hoover, at the FBI in his secretary pool.

Donna was a member of the Cherokee Nation and was baptized into the Catholic church later in life.

She was very active in her community and volunteered through her local church for 20 years. She loved crafting and was a talented photographer and artist. If she was needed, she was the first to lend a hand. She was truly a blessing daily to her friends and family.

Donna is survived by two sisters, Twyla (Joy) Bruce, of Texas, and Judy Peters, of California; and her children, Joseph Lee (Mary) Merz, Jackson (Peggy) Edward Shuping III and Cindy Lou (Joe) Brozzo. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Sarah Jak-Lyn (Rocky) Robinson, Joseph Lee (Penny) Merz and Victoria Marie (Jesus) Merz; and several great-grandchildren.

"How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."

-Winnie the Pooh, A.A. Milne, author

Donna requested no funeral. Graveside services will be held at Sunset Acres Cemetery in Ironwood Township, with close family friend, Pastor Larry Cox, officiating.

Be humble, for you are made of Earth.

Be noble, because you are made of stars.