Donna J. Franz, 49, of Port Charlotte, Florida passed away unexpectedly at her home in Port Charlotte. Donna was born April 30, 1962 in Akron, OH and graduated from Buchtel High School in 1980. Donna, a long time member of the Pilgrim United Church found true happiness by loving her family and giving back to…
Continue ReadingDonna J. Franz, 49, of Port Charlotte, Florida passed away unexpectedly at her home in Port Charlotte.
Donna was born April 30, 1962 in Akron, OH and graduated from Buchtel High School in 1980. Donna, a long time member of the Pilgrim United Church found true happiness by loving her family and giving back to those in need. She was a wonderful and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and friend and will forever be missed by all who loved and knew her.
She is survived by her loving husband of 10 years, Thomas Franz; her father, William G. Schwaberow of Osprey, FL; a daughter, Sara Kraft of Port Charlotte; 3 sons, Sean Tidwell of San Antonio, TX, Adam Franz and Joshua Franz both of Port Charlotte; a sister, Deborah A. Burress and brother, Daniel G. Schwaberow both of Hartville, OH and 3 grandchildren, Ethan, Myleigh and Roman.
A family gathering will be held 6:00 PM-8:00 PM, Monday, February 27, 2012 at Roberson Funeral Home Port Charlotte Chapel with memorial services at 7:00 PM, Monday at the funeral home. Inurnment will be held at a later date by the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Donna Franz to the American Cancer Society, 992 Tamiami Trail Unit C-2, Port Charlotte, FL 33953.
Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to sign the memory book and extend condolences to the family. Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory, Port Charlotte Chapel.
Debbie Bob and Krisite Byrd
left a message on February 26, 2012:
Beautiful Memories... A Bouquet of beautiful memories, sprayed with a million tears, wishing God could have spared you, if only for a few more years. What a Beautiful difference one single life made. We love and miss you, Donna... That will Never change!!! With deepest sympathy for all of you, Please know that our hearts are with you, Please know how much we are... Debbie, Bob, and Kristie Byrd
Maureen Woody
left a message on February 25, 2012:
We shared alot watching our girls go up and become the woman they are today. You were a very special friend Donna and I am going to miss you. Do not worry about Sara I promise to always be there for her.
Greg Mosher
left a message on February 25, 2012:
Sean and Sara I can't, and don't want to, imagine what you must be going through. My heart goes out to you both. If either of you need to talk please don't hesitate to get in touch with me. With my deepest sympathy and a heavy heart; I hope you are able to get through this tragic time.
Trudy Mason Thacker
left a message on February 25, 2012:
I was so glad I got to talk with you this past summer my thoughts and prayers go out to your family .
Mary Geer
left a message on February 25, 2012:
It is harder than ever to be so far away when something like this happens. Know that Donna leaves quite an extended family mourning her loss. Just as she was second mom to so many of our kids, we, too, are here for hers. With love and sorrow, Mary
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
carla deiss dobbins
left a message on February 26, 2012:
I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.IT IS A SHOCK TO US all!may you find some peace and comfort knowing she is now an angel watching and protecting you you will see her in eveyrainbow you see and if something great happens or you are saved from something terriable happening know that it is donna the angel
Pam Wotring Averill
left a message on February 26, 2012:
Dan,Debbie and Mr S, My heart goes out to you all. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Please knw she is in a better place smiling down on you every day. 8utsn
Terry and Maureen Woody
left a message on February 26, 2012:
Dear Tom,Sara,Sean,Adam and Josh
We are so very sorry for your loss. Donna was such a very special lady. We just want you to know that you are in our hearts and prayers. And if you need someone to talk to please call.
All Our Love
Terry and Maureen Woody
Delores Gaikoski
left a message on February 26, 2012:
Donna, a very loving beautiful person.
Chris and Bob Kappler
left a message on February 26, 2012:
Our hearts go out to you - Tom, Sean, Sara, Adam, Josh and all of Donna's family. May your sorrow be lessened by the love that surrounds you.
Randy L. Goffe
left a message on February 26, 2012:
Dear Tom,Sara,Sean,Adam and Josh: I wish to extend my deepest, most sincere condolences in your loss.May the strength of God carry you all through this most difficult time. Know that you all are in my prayers. sincerely, Rand L. Goffe
Kimberly & Clarence Ayers
left a message on February 26, 2012:
Sending prayers for comfort & our deepest sympathy to Mr. Schwaberow, Sean, Sara, Tom Debbie, Dan & family. I was blessed to have Donna as my friend. She loved unconditionally and had such a generous giving spirit.
When tomorrow starts without me
And I’m not there to see;
If the sun should rise and
find your eyes all filled with tears of me;
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry,
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things
We didn’t get to say.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time you think of me
I know you’ll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an Angel came and called my name
And took me by the hand
And said my place was ready
In heaven far above
And that I would have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.
As I walked through heaven’s gates,
I felt so much at home.
When tomorrow starts without me
Don’t think we’re far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I’m right here, in your heart.
Chris, Nancy & Cory Cook
left a message on February 26, 2012:
Donna will be greatly missed. The times that we spent with her she was a warm, giving & loving person. Her pride and joy was her children and even though we never met them it seemed as though we had known them forever. She will be remembered with happiness and joy.
Renee Paradise
left a message on February 26, 2012:
We were kids together...sleepovers, youth group... carefree teenagers just "hanging out in West Akron." Then Donna moved away... To Florida. In the late 90s we reconnected and it was as though the friendship had never even had a break. We laughed, giggled and shared new memories. I visited often. She opened her home to me. I fell in love with her kids and my kids loved her. We went to Universal Studios for a family day of fun..We flew to Key West... We went on a cruise to the Bahamas... So many great memories. Then I moved here. Donna gave me a bracelet inscribed with "Hold on to your dreams" She knew it was my dream to live here in the sunshine. It was with her help that my dream came true. My Donna, my best friend,... I am holding on to my dream... that I will see your pretty face again one day... and hear that cute little giggle... in Heaven. I love you... you are forever in my heart. <3
Debbie Bob and Krisite Byrd
left a message on February 26, 2012:
Beautiful Memories... A Bouquet of beautiful memories, sprayed with a million tears, wishing God could have spared you, if only for a few more years. What a Beautiful difference one single life made. We love and miss you, Donna... That will Never change!!! With deepest sympathy for all of you, Please know that our hearts are with you, Please know how much we are... Debbie, Bob, and Kristie Byrd
Marti Ferguson
left a message on July 4, 2012:
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sean and Sara I am so sorry for your loss. Please contact me if you need anything or just need to talk. 813 850 8476.Your mom and I would talk on the phone for hours at time and we always stayed in touch no matter how much time went by. We always considered ourselves sisters and we would laugh and talk about all the good times we used to have especially when we used to come to Siesta Key and visit when all the kids were younger. I miss her so much. She was such beautiful person. I loved to here her giggle and laugh and those dimples she was so beautiful. Donna I love you! Your lil sis....Martha Ferguson (Tidwell)
Mickey and Ellen Givens
left a message on February 27, 2012:
We will always remember Donna as the dimpled little 7 year old who arrived at our door each day, one summer, with the request, "can I take your baby (Missy) for a walk in the stroller?" From that time on she had our hearts. Bill, Debbie and Dan our thoughts and prayers are with you.
TRICIA BOUCHARD
left a message on February 27, 2012:
Sara so sorry to hear of your loss! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers! Love and miss you guys!!
Love,
Tricia, Ryan and the boys
Shannon
left a message on February 27, 2012:
Donna,
One of the best persons i've EVER known! The Biggest heart and one of the ONLY person who understood me just like I understood you! We were just starting to get close and had "plans" that were SO positive! I AM so sorry for the loss. I am VERY upset but I can only imagine how your family feels. Heart goes out. The short time we became close was SO great and wouldn't change anything except bringin you bak to US! I LOVE you so much and you are so missed already! Can't wait to see you again! I will though, up there! Where we all should be, with our FATHER, in Heaven! I Love you so much!!!!! See you soon! Good Last memory-pickin eggs with her biggest joy in her life at the moment-Grand Baby Girl!
Thomas Franz
left a message on February 27, 2012:
To my dearest Wife you will missed so much I wish I could have another ten year with you but right now I would even settle for ten minutes to at least tell you how much I Love you and how much your going to be missed you where such a caring and giving person this is just not fair. I don't know what I going to do with out you we had so much fun the first ten years we got to visit so many different places together. Please talk to me and tell me how to be without my best friend Donna I Love you and can't wait until the day that we can be reunited I will look for you everywhere and in everything I do.
From your Loving Husband
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Missy Givens
left a message on February 27, 2012:
To the prettiest girl in Delia Estates! Thank you for letting me "tag" along with you every day in the neighborhood. I have tried to think of something
profound to say but can't do you justice~I will never forget your beautiful smile and awesome laugh. Love and comfort to your family.
Michelle Burdeshaw
left a message on February 27, 2012:
Donna was a gentle, kind and beautiful person inside and out. I know she loved her family especially her kids, grandbabies and Tom. Her sweet giggle and kindness will be missed by all who knew her. I am blessed to have know her. My thoughts, love and prayers are with her family in Florida and Ohio.
Jim Jeffries
left a message on February 28, 2012:
Donna,
Thank you for gracing my life with your smile, your kindness, your humor, your laughter…. You will always play a leading role in many of my best memories growing up, including the special trips that we took together as kids with our families. Whether at Grandma and Lawrence’s house in Pennsylvania, or during the amazing boat trips that took on the Mississippi River and on Lake Michigan, you were always cheerful and funny, laughing hysterically as we played spoons in Grandma’s cabin (Grandma-Sue who couldn’t stop herself from shouting “bingo!” whenever she won and took a spoon), or laughing along as I walked my pet rubber alligators on leashes along the docks of Door County (not forgetting the legendary landing-net rescue of “Ralph” who once slipped out of his collar and into the drink; or the mending –i.e., replacement—of “Frank” who finally fell apart after too many bumpy, sun-drenched walks). What an amazingly sweet person you have been in my life. For this, I am so profoundly grateful, but now, so profoundly sad that I have to say goodbye.
Love,
Jim (and Maryjo, Jack & Nic)
Raynard Packard
left a message on February 29, 2012:
Donna was the prettiest girl at Rankin Elementary AND Perkins Jr. High.
Mike Moppin
left a message on March 4, 2012:
Tom so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Mary M. Keblesh
left a message on March 11, 2012:
I have fond memories of Donna, always cute and bubbly. May she rest in peace and have eternal happiness. Go with God, Donna............
Angie Giampa
left a message on April 18, 2012:
I used to work with Donna at Whiskey Creek. I found out of her passing yesterday and am truly overwhelmed with sorrow. Rest in Peace Donna! Deepest Sympathy to her family. One day at a time. Angie
Renee Paradise
left a message on April 30, 2012:
I know you are celebrating that milestone birthday up there in Heaven. Smile down on us today. I send prayers, love...and a birthday candle. You are forever in my heart, Best Friend. <3
Amanda Hall-Martin
left a message on May 30, 2012:
Donna you were the best coach ever i will always remember the parties at your house for christmas my dad will always be grateful for you teaching him how to make ziti. you will never be forgotten.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Your condolence may need to be approved before it appears on this page. It may not appear immediately once submitted.
Debbie Bob and Krisite Byrd
left a message on February 26, 2012:
Beautiful Memories... A Bouquet of beautiful memories, sprayed with a million tears, wishing God could have spared you, if only for a few more years. What a Beautiful difference one single life made. We love and miss you, Donna... That will Never change!!! With deepest sympathy for all of you, Please know that our hearts are with you, Please know how much we are... Debbie, Bob, and Kristie Byrd
Maureen Woody
left a message on February 25, 2012:
We shared alot watching our girls go up and become the woman they are today. You were a very special friend Donna and I am going to miss you. Do not worry about Sara I promise to always be there for her.
Greg Mosher
left a message on February 25, 2012:
Sean and Sara I can't, and don't want to, imagine what you must be going through. My heart goes out to you both. If either of you need to talk please don't hesitate to get in touch with me. With my deepest sympathy and a heavy heart; I hope you are able to get through this tragic time.
Trudy Mason Thacker
left a message on February 25, 2012:
I was so glad I got to talk with you this past summer my thoughts and prayers go out to your family .
Mary Geer
left a message on February 25, 2012:
It is harder than ever to be so far away when something like this happens. Know that Donna leaves quite an extended family mourning her loss. Just as she was second mom to so many of our kids, we, too, are here for hers. With love and sorrow, Mary
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
carla deiss dobbins
left a message on February 26, 2012:
I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.IT IS A SHOCK TO US all!may you find some peace and comfort knowing she is now an angel watching and protecting you you will see her in eveyrainbow you see and if something great happens or you are saved from something terriable happening know that it is donna the angel
Pam Wotring Averill
left a message on February 26, 2012:
Dan,Debbie and Mr S, My heart goes out to you all. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Please knw she is in a better place smiling down on you every day. 8utsn
Terry and Maureen Woody
left a message on February 26, 2012:
Dear Tom,Sara,Sean,Adam and Josh
We are so very sorry for your loss. Donna was such a very special lady. We just want you to know that you are in our hearts and prayers. And if you need someone to talk to please call.
All Our Love
Terry and Maureen Woody
Delores Gaikoski
left a message on February 26, 2012:
Donna, a very loving beautiful person.
Chris and Bob Kappler
left a message on February 26, 2012:
Our hearts go out to you - Tom, Sean, Sara, Adam, Josh and all of Donna's family. May your sorrow be lessened by the love that surrounds you.
Randy L. Goffe
left a message on February 26, 2012:
Dear Tom,Sara,Sean,Adam and Josh: I wish to extend my deepest, most sincere condolences in your loss.May the strength of God carry you all through this most difficult time. Know that you all are in my prayers. sincerely, Rand L. Goffe
Kimberly & Clarence Ayers
left a message on February 26, 2012:
Sending prayers for comfort & our deepest sympathy to Mr. Schwaberow, Sean, Sara, Tom Debbie, Dan & family. I was blessed to have Donna as my friend. She loved unconditionally and had such a generous giving spirit.
When tomorrow starts without me
And I’m not there to see;
If the sun should rise and
find your eyes all filled with tears of me;
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry,
The way you did today,
While thinking of the many things
We didn’t get to say.
I know how much you love me,
As much as I love you,
And each time you think of me
I know you’ll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand,
That an Angel came and called my name
And took me by the hand
And said my place was ready
In heaven far above
And that I would have to leave behind
All those I dearly love.
As I walked through heaven’s gates,
I felt so much at home.
When tomorrow starts without me
Don’t think we’re far apart,
For every time you think of me,
I’m right here, in your heart.
Chris, Nancy & Cory Cook
left a message on February 26, 2012:
Donna will be greatly missed. The times that we spent with her she was a warm, giving & loving person. Her pride and joy was her children and even though we never met them it seemed as though we had known them forever. She will be remembered with happiness and joy.
Renee Paradise
left a message on February 26, 2012:
We were kids together...sleepovers, youth group... carefree teenagers just "hanging out in West Akron." Then Donna moved away... To Florida. In the late 90s we reconnected and it was as though the friendship had never even had a break. We laughed, giggled and shared new memories. I visited often. She opened her home to me. I fell in love with her kids and my kids loved her. We went to Universal Studios for a family day of fun..We flew to Key West... We went on a cruise to the Bahamas... So many great memories. Then I moved here. Donna gave me a bracelet inscribed with "Hold on to your dreams" She knew it was my dream to live here in the sunshine. It was with her help that my dream came true. My Donna, my best friend,... I am holding on to my dream... that I will see your pretty face again one day... and hear that cute little giggle... in Heaven. I love you... you are forever in my heart. <3
Debbie Bob and Krisite Byrd
left a message on February 26, 2012:
Beautiful Memories... A Bouquet of beautiful memories, sprayed with a million tears, wishing God could have spared you, if only for a few more years. What a Beautiful difference one single life made. We love and miss you, Donna... That will Never change!!! With deepest sympathy for all of you, Please know that our hearts are with you, Please know how much we are... Debbie, Bob, and Kristie Byrd
Marti Ferguson
left a message on July 4, 2012:
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sean and Sara I am so sorry for your loss. Please contact me if you need anything or just need to talk. 813 850 8476.Your mom and I would talk on the phone for hours at time and we always stayed in touch no matter how much time went by. We always considered ourselves sisters and we would laugh and talk about all the good times we used to have especially when we used to come to Siesta Key and visit when all the kids were younger. I miss her so much. She was such beautiful person. I loved to here her giggle and laugh and those dimples she was so beautiful. Donna I love you! Your lil sis....Martha Ferguson (Tidwell)
Mickey and Ellen Givens
left a message on February 27, 2012:
We will always remember Donna as the dimpled little 7 year old who arrived at our door each day, one summer, with the request, "can I take your baby (Missy) for a walk in the stroller?" From that time on she had our hearts. Bill, Debbie and Dan our thoughts and prayers are with you.
TRICIA BOUCHARD
left a message on February 27, 2012:
Sara so sorry to hear of your loss! You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers! Love and miss you guys!!
Love,
Tricia, Ryan and the boys
Shannon
left a message on February 27, 2012:
Donna,
One of the best persons i've EVER known! The Biggest heart and one of the ONLY person who understood me just like I understood you! We were just starting to get close and had "plans" that were SO positive! I AM so sorry for the loss. I am VERY upset but I can only imagine how your family feels. Heart goes out. The short time we became close was SO great and wouldn't change anything except bringin you bak to US! I LOVE you so much and you are so missed already! Can't wait to see you again! I will though, up there! Where we all should be, with our FATHER, in Heaven! I Love you so much!!!!! See you soon! Good Last memory-pickin eggs with her biggest joy in her life at the moment-Grand Baby Girl!
Thomas Franz
left a message on February 27, 2012:
To my dearest Wife you will missed so much I wish I could have another ten year with you but right now I would even settle for ten minutes to at least tell you how much I Love you and how much your going to be missed you where such a caring and giving person this is just not fair. I don't know what I going to do with out you we had so much fun the first ten years we got to visit so many different places together. Please talk to me and tell me how to be without my best friend Donna I Love you and can't wait until the day that we can be reunited I will look for you everywhere and in everything I do.
From your Loving Husband
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Missy Givens
left a message on February 27, 2012:
To the prettiest girl in Delia Estates! Thank you for letting me "tag" along with you every day in the neighborhood. I have tried to think of something
profound to say but can't do you justice~I will never forget your beautiful smile and awesome laugh. Love and comfort to your family.
Michelle Burdeshaw
left a message on February 27, 2012:
Donna was a gentle, kind and beautiful person inside and out. I know she loved her family especially her kids, grandbabies and Tom. Her sweet giggle and kindness will be missed by all who knew her. I am blessed to have know her. My thoughts, love and prayers are with her family in Florida and Ohio.
Jim Jeffries
left a message on February 28, 2012:
Donna,
Thank you for gracing my life with your smile, your kindness, your humor, your laughter…. You will always play a leading role in many of my best memories growing up, including the special trips that we took together as kids with our families. Whether at Grandma and Lawrence’s house in Pennsylvania, or during the amazing boat trips that took on the Mississippi River and on Lake Michigan, you were always cheerful and funny, laughing hysterically as we played spoons in Grandma’s cabin (Grandma-Sue who couldn’t stop herself from shouting “bingo!” whenever she won and took a spoon), or laughing along as I walked my pet rubber alligators on leashes along the docks of Door County (not forgetting the legendary landing-net rescue of “Ralph” who once slipped out of his collar and into the drink; or the mending –i.e., replacement—of “Frank” who finally fell apart after too many bumpy, sun-drenched walks). What an amazingly sweet person you have been in my life. For this, I am so profoundly grateful, but now, so profoundly sad that I have to say goodbye.
Love,
Jim (and Maryjo, Jack & Nic)
Raynard Packard
left a message on February 29, 2012:
Donna was the prettiest girl at Rankin Elementary AND Perkins Jr. High.
Mike Moppin
left a message on March 4, 2012:
Tom so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Mary M. Keblesh
left a message on March 11, 2012:
I have fond memories of Donna, always cute and bubbly. May she rest in peace and have eternal happiness. Go with God, Donna............
Angie Giampa
left a message on April 18, 2012:
I used to work with Donna at Whiskey Creek. I found out of her passing yesterday and am truly overwhelmed with sorrow. Rest in Peace Donna! Deepest Sympathy to her family. One day at a time. Angie
Renee Paradise
left a message on April 30, 2012:
I know you are celebrating that milestone birthday up there in Heaven. Smile down on us today. I send prayers, love...and a birthday candle. You are forever in my heart, Best Friend. <3
Amanda Hall-Martin
left a message on May 30, 2012:
Donna you were the best coach ever i will always remember the parties at your house for christmas my dad will always be grateful for you teaching him how to make ziti. you will never be forgotten.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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