Donna Marie Green
April 10, 1937 - November 08, 2021
Obituary
MIDDLETON - Donna Marie Green, age 83, died Monday, Nov. 8, 2021. She was born on April 10, 1937, in Madison, Wis., the daughter of Donald and Marion (Esser) Green.
Donna graduated from Middleton High School in 1955. Following high school, Donna served in the U.S. Air Force, and subsequently worked at the Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Madison for more than 30 years. At the VA, Donna was well known for her friendly smile and the many kindnesses she showed to the veterans and their families in their time of need.
She was an ambassador of goodwill and of her Catholic faith to all who knew her, with a large dose of sassiness thrown in. She loved arranging special adventures for her beloved mother and the many children who called her “Auntie.” Donna proudly embraced the nickname she earned of “Tiger” for her relentless fighting for justice for the oppressed and downtrodden members of her community.
She was also known for her quick wit, sense of humor, and generosity. Donna was devoted to her family and many friends and will be missed by the many people whose lives she touched.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Ruth Ann Haberland; and brother, James Green. She is survived by her brother, Jack and sister-in-law, Susan Porter Green; and her brothers-in-law, Frank Haberland and Bill Diederich. She was especially fond of her nieces, Mary Haberland, Annie Haberland, Catherine Haberland and Sara Green; nephew, Brenden Green; and her very special caregiver and devoted cousin, Bette Lou Esser. Cousins and other relatives too numerous to mention were also an important part of her life.
A private celebration of Donna’s life will be held next summer.
Memorials in Donna’s name may be made out to The Salvation Army or to the YWCA in Madison, Wis. Online condolences may be made to www.gundersonfh.com .
Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761
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Memories
BK
Bill Kennelly
Other •
I worked at the VA hospital in Madison during many of the years that Donna also worked there. I saw her quite often and I was always impressed with her kindness and good heart. She always greeted co- workers with a hearty hello and smile. On many occasions I saw her show special kindness and comforting words to patients. She also had a great sense of humor and was easy to laugh. My sincere condolences to her family.
JL
John Lowrey
Other •
I worked 32 years in the V.A.-many of them with Donna. Always pleasant and a joy to work with. John Lowrey
LS
Larry Sorensen
Other •
Donna was a great friend, neighbor and confident when we both lived in Gurnee Illinois in the 1960’s and 1970’s. She always had a smile on her face and was an encouragement to me. She helped me on occasions accomplishing fun surprises for others. My sympathy to her family. Larry Sorensen