Donalee (Donna) Marilou Freeman

September 24, 1933 – August 18, 2016

Donalee Marilou Buchanan was born and raised in Detroit Michigan. She graduated from Redford High school in 1951 and attended Asbury College in Kentucky. Working as an executive secretary for Kelvinator in Pennsylvania, she met and fell in love with Harley B. Freeman. They were married in 1964. They moved to the suburbs and raised three children, Craig, Michelle and Vanessa. Harley’s job took the family all around the country, moving 12 times; 7 states in 6 years. Donna worked as a substitute teacher and was active in Girl Scouts throughout those years.

Finally settling in California in 1981, Donna resumed her career as an executive secretary, and completed her BA in Business at the University of Redlands in 1983. When Harley retired, the couple purchased and ran a print shop in Southern CA, eventually selling it to move to Washington so they could be closer to Vanessa. They purchased and ran a laundromat until Harley died in 2004.

Donna lived her final years at Peter’s Creek Retirement Home in Redmond, WA. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at Regency Care Center at Monroe, with her daughter Vanessa holding her hand, and her son in law Jim by her side. She is survived by her three children, their spouses, and four grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery on Friday, September 23 at 11:15 AM, where she will be placed to rest with her beloved Harley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Evergreen Hospice or Regency Care Center at Monroe.