Donna Lee Marshall

On the night of Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2019, Donna Marshall passed away at the age of 70. Donna was born in Plymouth, MI on Sept. 3, 1948 and was the daughter of Earl and Celeste (Kolin) Cook. Donna worked in Plymouth as a telephone operator for more than 30 years and served consecutively as an executive board member for two Communication Workers of America union locals throughout her career. She dedicated her life to social justice and providing for her daughter Rachelle Marshall.

Donna’s friends and family will remember her positive energy and ability to light up a room with her presence. Her beaming smile and contagious laugh made a lasting impression on all who knew her. In her roles as a union representative and devoted soccer mom, Donna loved to travel throughout the US. She also lived, for a short time, in Germany. In her youth and into adulthood, Donna was known for her athleticism and especially enjoyed track, tennis, and softball. Going to concerts to hear live music was another of her favorite pastimes. In retirement, Donna collected books and was an avid reader. She also orchestrated an astonishingly beautiful garden in her yard every year and adored the neighborhood squirrels and birds. A remarkable amount of life relied on the home she built. She will be tremendously missed by all.
Donna was preceded in death by her brother Richard, her father Earl, and her mother Celeste. She is survived by her daughter Rachelle, her brothers John and Dave (wife Pam) Cook, and three nephews Matt, Tyler, and Casey Cook. The family is planning private services and will send notifications via the postal service, telephone, social media, and email. To provide contact information or send condolences, please email Rachelle at inmemoryofdonnamarshall@gmail.com.

If you would like to make a gift on Donna’s behalf, please consider donating to ecological justice organizations such as the Sierra Club, the Environmental Defense Fund, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Wildlife Conservation Society, the Ocean Conservancy, Earthjustice, or state and national parks. In lieu of sending flowers, please plant a tree through the Arbor Day Foundation, A Living Tribute, or the link provided by the Schrader-Howell funeral home.