Donna Mae Rivera

Donna Mae Rivera, age 82, of Adrian, MI, passed away, May 15, 2023, at Toledo Hospital surrounded by family. She was born February 24, 1941, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, the daughter of Emil and Irene (Eisel) Gravelle. On January 31, 1981, she married Reynaldo Rivera. He survives. Donna was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and aunt. She had a wonderful smile and an amazing laugh. She had a strong Christian faith and read her bible daily. Donna worked as a nurse for over 30 years and loved caring for others. When she wasn’t working, she could be found on the golf course with her husband and friends. Donna was a talented gardener and a wonderful cook. She was also a lover of all animals, especially cats. She enjoyed bird watching and fishing with her grandson. Donna was especially proud of all of her granddaughters’ accomplishments, and loved taking them shopping when they were young.  She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.  In addition to her husband Reynaldo, she is survived by her daughter, Annette Sloan-Valdez of Adrian; two step-daughters, Sonia Rivera of Corona, CA and Lisa (Dale) Rivera of Millheim, PA; her grandchildren, Lynsey (Jacob) Rye, Kathryn (Matthew) Perry, Courtney Kimerer and Trysten Valdez; great grandson, Declan Rye; her siblings, Dale (Kim) Gravelle, Terry (Jennifer) Gravelle and Tammy Gravelle; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Irene Gravelle; her daughter, Nina Sloan; siblings, Emil Gravelle, Jr.,  Ronnie Gravelle, Della Zupfer, Darlene Gravelle, and Renee Gravelle.  Viewing and Visitation will be on Thursday May 18, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at J. Gilbert Purse Funeral Home, 2959 N. Adrian Hwy, Adrian, MI.  

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