Donna Mae Martin

You knew Donna Martin was special from the moment you met her. She radiated light and joy. She was full of love, always smiling, laughing, and engaging others. She knew no strangers. Growing up on the farm in Pittsboro, Indiana, she was one of five children. No surprise, she was a cheerleader and straight A student! Donna lived in Indianapolis for many years where she raised her daughters, worked in cosmetics and became a very successful Avon district manager. She was a driven woman and won many sales awards and international trips for her efforts. As the forever Avon lady, she lived that part well - always dressed up, accessorized, face and hair done. Donna was a leader and a role model in business and for her family.

For the last 24 years she was a devoted caregiver to her husband Ron who suffered a traumatic brain injury in 1997. He has required around-the-clock care for all these years and she managed every minute of it, always looking for ways to improve his life and ease his discomfort, often at the expense of her own health. She founded several groups to support people with disabilities and their caregivers at Connection Pointe Christian Church. She poured her heart into serving others and creating a safe place where everyone was accepted, heard, loved and served. Donna lived her faith: she always looked for the good in everyone and found ways to help others and improve lives.

She was an incredible mother to her three daughters, Dianna, Alicia and Andrea, who will attempt to fill her shoes and carry on her light in this world. The most joyful part of her life was being a grandma to her 6 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and 5 step grandchildren. She was a "full-contact" Grammy and the kids loved every precious minute they spent with her! She shared so much with these kids, hosting high-energy sleepovers (with infamous Grammy hangovers the next day), fondue nights, over-the-top Easter egg hunts, messy baking days, unforgettable lake weekends, dream Christmases, and more. It is an understatement to say she will be missed. We are heartbroken to lose her, but are grateful for everything she taught us and every moment we shared.

Donna unexpectedly passed away on September 27, 2021 at the age of 79. She had been battling chronic illnesses during the last few years and ultimately became one of the hundreds of thousands to succumb to COVID. Yes, she was vaccinated, wore masks in public, and was very careful. Out of respect for her and to minimize the risk of further spreading this horrible disease, we are not having a public calling or service at this time. She requested that we have a big party to celebrate her life, rather than a sad funeral. Mark your calendar to celebrate her life with stories, music, and dancing next summer on her 80th birthday, June 27th.

In lieu of flowers, please get your family vaccinated.