Donna McCann

MADISON-Donna Jean McCann, age 79, passed away on Monday, April 29, 2013. Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, and many supporters carried her through these past four months of battling with lung disease. She was born Donna Jean Helleckson on May 11, 1933, to Carmen and Clara (Gunderson) Helleckson. Donna is survived by her devoted husband, Robert A. McCann, whom she married on Oct. 4, 1952. Together they had eight children, Deborah (deceased), Diana (Gary) Kloostra, Denise Mueller, Bobbi Leen, Rhonda (Greg) Ploessl, Ramona Lisa McCann, Thomas (Lori) McCann, and Tammy (Mike) Korlesky; 18 grandchildren, Robert, Bill, Deborah, Nicole, Christina, Melissa, Michelle, Spencer, Corinn, Cassondra, Jake, Chad, Tiffany, Brandon, Dana, Sawyer, Tayler, and Tanna; many great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Rosemary (Eugene) Leonhardt; and brothers-in-law, Michael McCann and Pat McCann. Donna was also preceded in death by her parents; father and mother-in-law, Leo and Dorothy McCann; and son-in-law, Charlie Mueller. After Donna raised her family, she worked at Marquette Elementary School and then worked for UW Credit Union until her retirement. She also volunteered many hours at Meriter Hospital. Donna possessed a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor. Throughout her life she maintained a simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many, who even now are being changed by her witness of constant nurturing, love and faith. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and joking around, will never be forgotten. A Memorial Mass will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield Street, Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, May 6, 2013, with Father Bart Timmerman presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass on Monday. The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support in many heart-felt forms from too many people to name individually, but including all the Dr.’s and staff at Meriter Hospital. A special thank you to Dr. Casper and Dr. Macallister for all their wonderful care, and all the friends and neighbors at All Saints Retirement Center. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass on Monday. A Memorial Mass will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield Street, Monona, at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, May 6, 2013, with Father Bart Timmerman presiding.