Donna Elizabeth Gillem

Donna Elizabeth Gillem, 88, of Syracuse, IN passed away at 5:45 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, 2020 at Goshen Hospital. She was born on April 16, 1932 in Allegan, MI to Clifford & Edna Lucille (Porter) Austin.

She graduated in 1950 from Portage Central High School in Kalamazoo, MI and received an Associate’s Degree from Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She retired in 1994 from Circuit Court in Kalamazoo, MI after 11 years, formerly worked at Bell Telephone, and moved to the Syracuse area 22 years ago from Michigan.

She attended Wawasee Heights Baptist Church in Syracuse, formerly attended the Baptist church in Michigan, and was a former member of Red Hat’s Club in Syracuse.

She is survived by:

Daughter – Shannon Gillem of Michigan City, IN

5 Sons – Patrick (Sylvia) Gillem of Centerville, MI, Ted (Martha) Gillem of Milford, Shawn (Marcia) Gillem of Cromwell, Timothy Gillem of Travelers Rest, SC, and James Gillem of Richmond, TX

2 Sisters – Nancy Forster of South Haven, MI & Sharon (Michael) Moran of Vicksberg, MI

She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter – Shelly Gillem, and 8 sisters & brothers.

Cremation will take place at Cremation services of Kosciusko County, 4356 N. St. Rd. 15, Warsaw, IN. Private family burial will take place in the Syracuse Cemetery. Owen Family Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, IN is in charge of arrangements.

Preferred memorials may be given to the donor’s choice.