Donna Lee Grace - Roberson Funeral Home

Donna Lee Grace

September 22, 1949 - June 2, 2024

Memorial services by the family will be at a later date.

Donna Lee Grace,74, of North Port, Florida, passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at home. Donna was born on September 22, 1949, in Norwich, Connecticut to the late Florence(Delmonico) and Gerard Lippe. Donna grew up in Moosup, Connecticut where she met her husband, John Grace, a sailor in the U.S. Navy.

Donna and John moved to Providence, Rhode Island to be closer to his ship’s port in Newport, Rhode Island. Donna’s first child John was born in Providence. John then entered the U.S. Air Force. They then moved to Biloxi, Mississippi where Donna had her second son, Marc, and where she enjoyed days on the gulf beaches and the local seafood. She and John then moved to Kalispell, Montana, where they enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and visiting the parks in the area. Next it was on to Fortuna, North Dakota which she described it as, “looking like the moon except it had a road with telephone poles.” It was then to Oklahoma City for six months followed by two months in Biloxi, Mississippi then back to Fortuna, North Dakota. Donna then moved to Saratoga Springs, New York for the next two years where her youngest son Scott was born then to Finland, Minnesota with her family. Donna and her family moved back to Saratoga Springs followed by Augusta and Savannah Georgia, Ogden Utah, Plymouth Massachusetts, Great Falls, Montana, Brandon Florida, Englewood Florida and then to North Port, Florida because of hurricane Ian.

Donna thought of all the moving like it was an adventure or taking a vacation. While living in Savannah she attended nursing school and graduated in September of 1980. She worked as a medical surgical nurse in Utah and Montana. Donna was also the general manager of a Western Medical Supply in Great Falls, Montana with locations in Butte and Billings, Montana. Donna continued working as a nurse when she moved to Florida and retired in 2019 as a private nurse. Donna always liked going to the beach searching for seashells and sharks’ teeth. She enjoyed vacationing in Maui when the family was living in Montana and Sandals in Jamaica when living in Florida. She was an avid reader, sometimes she would read three to four books a week in her retirement. Donna was a great cook and baker, making the best meatballs and spaghetti and was always willing to help others.

Survived by her loving family, her husband, John N. Grace; three sons John, Marc, and Scott Grace; a sister, Andrea Delmonico; and a brother, James Lippe. Grandchild Allie and great grandchild Braydon.

The family will hold memorial services at a later date. Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family.

Roberson Funeral Home

Tracy Newcomb

Steve and Wendy Hansen

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Donna Lee Grace,74, of North Port, Florida, passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at home. Donna was born on September 22, 1949, in Norwich, Connecticut to the late Florence(Delmonico) and Gerard Lippe. Donna grew up in Moosup, Connecticut where she met her husband, John Grace, a sailor in the U.S. Navy. Donna and John…

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John, hope you and your family are doing ok, I can only imagine how hard this is; my prayers are with you, Johnny,, Marc, and the Scotts. Donna was blessed to have such a wonderful family.

Dearest GG (Grandma Grace - you made this name for yourself a few years ago), It's taken me a long time to find the right words to send you. Because of this page and the memories shared on here, I've been spending sunrises with a book by the pool thinking of you. We may have missed out on a lot of time, but I have learned that we had so much in common. There's a lot that I wish I knew and a million questions have popped up over the last week (it's incredible what silly little things you wish you knew about someone), but one thing I know for sure is that I would not be here without you. I am grateful for your mere existence, but also your love for me and the light that you brought to the world. I mean look at all of the people you touched just by being yourself! I know that you're around even now, and perhaps we're the closest we've ever been. Thank you for cheering me on and blessing me from afar. I know we'll see each other again one day and make up for lost time. I'll look for you by the water, and recognize you in those fleeting moments when the morning sun's rays first warm my face. Forever your granddaughter, Allie P.s. you sent me this photo of you a few years ago and it’s one of my favorites - just another example of something we had in common ❤️

Donna, I love you so much. You were always there when I needed guidance or just a good friend to talk with. Thank you for staying in touch when you got married and John joined the Air force.. Thank you for the millions of of times you've made us laugh uncontrollably over the years Sissy you will live on forever in my heart. I'm sorry for the times I was a crappy sister. I am happy to know you are finally free and no longer sick. I probably wouldn't have handled seeing you like that, thank you all, I love you, Andrea J

🏝

The way I will always remember her.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

JOHN SO SORRY FOR YOUR FAMILYS LOSS

May God hold her in the hollow of his hands.

My sister Donna was my hero; her chores among many I'm sure, was babysitting. She was always a lot of fun, and oh that smile and those dimples... She was beautiful and had a quick wit, with a delightful sense of humor Though she got married and left home when I was seven she would always write and keep in touch. So basically she has always been there for me when I needed her, even as an adult. She bought me my first stereo for Christmas one year and John hooked it up; it was the coolest Christmas ever! Yes, she has a beautiful family with which I am so grateful for., we had many awesome times together ! Thanks for everything Sissy, I love you ❣️ See you soon 😊

In memory of Donna Lee Grace, Tracy Newcomb lit a candle

Dear John, A beautiful tribute to your beautiful wife and your sons' mother. May she rest in Eternal Peace, in the loving arms of our Lord. My prayers and sympathy to you and your family. Sincerely, Barbara Walsh

As a young military wife of 3 boys, I remember my mother working just basic jobs like at Dunkin Donuts and Hickory Farms, until later in life, with the support of my father, she went to school and became a licensed nurse. With her experience as a nurse she later went on to work as the general manager of a medical supply chain in Montana. I remember my mother's drive and determination because I see that trait being passed down to my brother Scott and myself. Scott, myself, and our father got to spend her last day together, before her passing, which I'm very grateful for. I will never forget her thick, New England accent and the love and support she gave me growing up. I love you mom and I will never forget you. Marc

Penny and I are VERY SADDENED to learn of Donna's recent passing. We have known both Donna and John for over 22 years, many of them residing a building away at Fiddler's Green, Phase 1 in Englewood. Donna always had a smile on her face, a quick wit and a listening ear to anyone and everyone! Her baking skills were enjoyed by many, us included. Donna added SO MUCH laughter to our "Whet Your Whistle Wednesdays", when we congregated at our clubhouse weekly. Our deepest sympathies to John, her three Sons' and her extended Families as well. Donna left a huge footprint that will be difficult to live without. Throughout the years, Donna and I would play the game "Poke" and we poked each other back 'n forth well over 600+ times!

So VERY SAD to say "Good-Bye" to a beautiful Lady. We've known both Donna and John for over 22 years, many of those years living a building away at Fiddler's Green, Phase 1. Donna always had a smile on her face, a quick wit and wonderful people skills. 'Always willing to visit, Donna was a terrific neighbor, Friend and

Donna was our neighbor for many years. She was always very pleasant and eager to help whenever we were in need. In particular we appreciated her help with Margot’s mother, Hilde, at the time she needed it most. We will always have happy memories of Donna throughout the years we knew each other. Our heartfelt condolences to John and the family.

Donna was an avid lover of literature and could often be found reading. I knew this about her, but was delighted, when I published a sort of obscure academic book, that she (and John) still made the effort to seek out a copy and to read it! She then provided generous feedback, which was extremely kind. Very few of my friends and acquaintances ever went to such trouble. This showed me that Donna was truly engaged with the world and was always curious to learn more about it. Donna had a fine mind, a generous spirit, and a kind personality. I will miss seeing her around Fiddler's Green, but will always remember her with tremendous fondness.

We met Donna and John over 11 years ago. They lived in the same building as we did. They were the best neighbors. Always available to help and we even got to experience some of Donna's great cooking and baking. We would have been still neighbors today if Hurricane Ian had not destroyed our building. Out sincere condolenses to John and the family. Her presents and humor will be missed. Rest in Peace, Donna.

It is with very heavy hearts we send our most sincere condolences to John and the entire family. We remember a wonderful lady, with the greatest sense of humour, and utmost kindness and caring. We will keep her in our memories with much fondness. Suzie and Don

"Mom" the year you became a "mom" to me was 1988. In 89 you became my Mother-in-law for a short time. In 91 I blessed you with Allie. You were such a proud grandma. Showing her off every where you went. Especially to your office. You were my inspiration in becoming the woman I am today. I was always in awe of the "lady" you were. You have lived in my heart throughout the years. I loved your baking and cooking. My kiddos have eaten many chocolate chip zucchini bread and stroganoff because of you. I was so blessed to connect with you again in 2016. Spending 10 days in your home with you and John Sr. my 1st time in Florida. You struggled to grasp how much I still loved and felt blessed by our relationship. You will forever be "mom". My heart is beyond broken by your passing. Thank you for loving me as your daughter. Tamiami 💔

With deepest sympathy to you and family. Even though we only knew Donna a short time her laugh and smile was always a highlight to our day. Prayers and strength to you at this difficult time. 🙏🏻

Donna with Grand Daughter, Allie 1991

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Ever since I could remember, my Mom would always love laying out in the sun and being by the water. My earliest memories of her would be us swimming in the pool at the apartment complex in Savannah, GA where should we always have snacks on hand for us, like granola bars, while she would eat her peanut M&Ms washed down with a Tab soda . As we moved across the country, we would go to the beaches of Cape Cod in the summer, and even when we moved to Montana, we still enjoyed the water together lounging on the banks of the Missouri River. Then one cold day in April of 1991, my Mom informed my Dad and I that we would be escaping the bitter Montana winters and heading down to sunny Florida! So in June of that year, my Dad packed up the 1981 Ford Granada and the three of us (4 if you count our poodle, Pum) headed down to the Sunshine State! Our first summer in Florida was once again spent laying out at the pool in the apartment complex where we learned we could set our watches by the daily 4PM summer thunderstorms in Tampa Bay. As the years went on Florida, my Mom was able to explore a lot of the beaches on Florida's Gulf Coast soaking up the abundant sunshine and enjoying the Florida seafood! So whenever I am out by the water, whether it be poolside or beachside, I will always be thinking of you, Mom! Love, Scott

Mom I will never forget you and I can think of nothing more that I cherish, than having you for my mom. Thank you for all the love and understanding that you have given me over my lifetime. I love you mom and I will never forget you ❤️ ♥️ Marc "Loving and missing you mom"

How I met Donna, the love of my life. I was hitching a ride home from the naval base when I was about ten miles from home and a car stopped a gave me a lift. It was Donna's parents. We talk and they ask if I new her or her brother I told them no. They gave me a ride all the way home. I told my sister that they gave me a ride home and she said that she knows Donna. My sister told me about a block dance that was going on that night so a buddy of mind and I stopped by to see what's going on. My sister was there and asked if I wanted to meet the girl who's parents gave me a ride home. Sure I said so she introduced me to her not as Donna but her best friend Peggy. After the dance was over I walk her and a couple of her girl friends to their car. As she was about to get into the car I asked aren't you going to kiss me good night. Well she did. The next day I looked up Peggy's number and gave her a call. Peggy went along pretending to be Donna. After the call Peggy called Donna and asked who did you met last night. Donna goes to school with my brother so she gave him a piece of paper with her real name and phone number and told him if I wanted to I could call her and the rest is history. That's how I met the love of my life.

This is what I wrote to Lovey (Donna) on the Anniversary card I gave her for our 57th Anniversary. You never know when It's going to be the last one. Wish I did...I really miss her _____________________________________________________________ April 22, 2024 Donna, On this day I just wanted to tell you that you are the one I chose to marry and I'm glad you are my wife. We have been through a lot over the years and you are still with me. You take care of me when I'm sick You are a very good cook and you make meals that I enjoy. You excuse my faults and boost my ego. You give me reason to get up in the morning. But, most of all I enjoy being with you. This is why to me you are the best wife ever. Happy Anniversary Love You, John ____________________________________________________________

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.