Donna Lynn Makowski left her temporary earthly home to join God’s heavenly chorus March 12, 2022.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday March 26, 2022 at 11 AM at Central United Methodist, 5740 Bagby Ave, Waco, Tx 76712. Donna wanted those attending to wear brightly colored clothing if possible. A meal will be provided afterward to all guests. Friends who are unable to attend can view the service online at https://facebook.com/cumcwaco.
Donna was born August 20, 1953 in South Bend, Indiana, the home of her beloved Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The family eventually moved to Las Angeles where Donna grew up and made friends in the Inglewood school systems. She discovered her excellent number and proof-reading skills and began her work career as a bank clerk. Later she moved to Goodland, Kansas becoming a department store clerk. It was there that she made new friendships with a community of friends with whom she has remained close over the years.
Donna moved to Waco in about 1980 where she met Mike Makowski at St. John’s United Methodist Church. Mike was the church organist and Donna was alto in the choir. The two hit it off as friends almost immediately. In 1988 they became the last couple united in marriage in the St. John’s building before that building was sold. The building sale was prompted by the earlier merger of three Methodist churches ( St. John’s, Brookview and Trinity) and the need for a larger facility in a more centralized part of town. Central United Methodist Church was ultimately located at Highway 6 and Bagby where it exists today as a beacon on the hill for anyone wishing to learn more about Jesus. As an original member in the new church Donna was extremely proud of its heritage and mission and has continued to faithfully support it, especially the choral music, handbell programs and outreach ministries. One of the unexpected outcomes of the merger was the new lasting friendship/bond formed between Donna, Mike, Bob Sowder and Sue Sowder – the “Silver Lining Gospel Quartet”. Hangin’, sangin’, and travlin’ with the Sowders was always a special treat and joy.
Donna assisted Mike in the ownership and management of his specialized computer software company (BTS) for about 30 years starting in the 1980’s. Together they provided turnkey accounting and inventory management solutions to customers who trusted them across the country.
For approximately the last ten years of her life Donna was a beloved bus driver for students with “special needs” in the Midway School System. Safely picking up and delivering “her kids” each day was an adventure of which she never tired.
When not singing or driving her school bus, Donna loved embroidering, sewing, painting, crafts, watching movies, participating in theatrical productions, traveling with her friends and chilling out at home. She was looking forward to portraying “Mother Superior” in an upcoming production at Brazos Theatre.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Peggy Soule.
Survived by her immediate family; loving husband, Mike Makowski, brother-in-law, Andy Makowski; sister-in-law, Carole Makowski; the two-family cats, Monsters and Phydeaux, and many extended family members and friends across the country.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Donna’s memory can be made to the following organizations.
Central United Methodist Church (Music Ministries)
Central Texas Choral Society
MD Anderson Cancer Research Center
Waco Civic Theatre
Brazos Theatre
Fuzzy Friends Rescue
Place of Service: Central United Methodist Church , 5740 Bagby Ave.; Waco, TX 76712
Print Obituary & Condolences
What can I say, only that Donna Lynn was the best. She will always be in my heart and on my mind. I loved her sense of humor and proud of all her accomplishments and I loved her very much from the day she came into this world. Rest in peace dear niece❤️.
I was very blessed to have worked with Donna the past 7 years at Midway. I loved stopping her in the hallways and asking her about her latest travel adventures. We are missing her so much. Her students are missing Ms. Donna daily. Prayers and hugs to the family and friends. God gained a very special angel.
Mike, I am so sorry for your loss. Donna was a true & loving caring friend. She is up in Heaven singing beautifully with the Choir, & seeing all gone before her. She will be loved & missed by so many. Rest in Peace sweet friend, Shirley & David Boyd
Beautiful lady doing God’s work working with special needs children. My condolences to her beloved husband and family May God heal your hearts peace be with you.
Donna Lynn was a beautiful soul. We talked about family recipes and family lineage, often. She was always so supportive of our family, and always cheered for us from the side lines. I was in the process of compiling information of our family tree as she told me she was planning a trip to Ireland. My only regret is I didn’t finish getting her the info before she passed. I could message her about questions I had about my Dad, her cousin, and if she didn’t know the answers she always sought out the info to provide me with the answers I was seeking, which brought me comfort. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her since the day she passed. I know she is in His loving arms, with all those she knew and loved that passed before her. I will miss our messages and her genuine love and support. She had a heart of gold and I am so lucky to have known and loved her. You will be missed, Donna Lynn. My life was better because YOU were in it. I know we will be reunited one day. Until then, we love you and know you are in a better place. Give my daddy a big hug from me!
Mike, I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet wife Donna. Though I haven’t seen you guys for quite a few years now that I moved out of the neighborhood, I always enjoyed our time together. When I heard about the accident — long beforeI knew that Donna was in it — my heart sank — those bridges are so dangerous. You are in my thoughts and prayers, my friend.
Thank you Richard.
I have been struggling trying to find the words to express the way I feel deep in my heart & soul.
Donna & I have been friends since our early 20’s, going through many life changes spaning 45 years of friendship.
I believe a friendship does not die when our body goes to heaven, it merely takes on a different form & lives on in our
memories & in our heart & that’s where Donna is for me, now & forever ❣️
I have many fond memories of the old St. John’s Methodist Church at 18th and Bosque. My family grew up there and I first met Donna in a Sunday school class. My Father and mother, David and Agnes Huddleston, thought the world of Donna. My brother, Ira, truly can say we never heard Donna say one unkind word about anyone. She was an intelligent, friendly and gracious lady. Mike,
so sorry for your loss of Donna in this tragic accident, but god Will reunite you both in his time. Praying for God’s comfort for you during this difficult period of your life. Lynne (Huddleston) Lockwood
I have so many wonderful memories of visiting with Donna when she delivered Meals on Wheels at Austin Avenue UMC. She was so much fun and I had a lot in common with her.
After I moved on from the church, she still kept up with my family and me through Facebook. I enjoyed her great advice and encouraging words.
I am so saddened by her loss and will miss her so much.
Praying for comfort and peace to Mike and to all that loved her.
Jenny Thomasson