Donna Mae (Dray) Wasem

Donna Mae Wasem, 92, of Fort Myers, Florida passed away on September 1, 2022, in her hometown of Massillon, Ohio, after several months of declining health. Donna was born on August 2, 1930, to James D. Dray and Viola Martin Dray in Massillon, Ohio. She graduated from Massillon Washington High School in the class of 1948, where she was especially active in speech, drama, theater, and basketball.

After graduation, she worked for Ohio Edison as a demonstrator; then for Massillon Steel Casting as a secretary. There she met John William Wasem, with whom she married on March 22, 1952. She and John welcomed their only child, John Edward Wasem, on March 3, 1953. Donna was a devoted homemaker the rest of her life as well as an always-active volunteer with community theaters, the Girl Scouts, churches, and countless community and charitable endeavors. Her church membership resided with Suncrest Church of St. John, Indiana.

Donna is remembered for many things including her giftedness as a hostess, benevolence activist, knitter, tennis player, cribbage aficionado, golfer (5 holes-in-one after being declared legally blind), Cubs and Bulls fan, patriot, and Ohio State Buckeye loyalist. She so loved being a grandmother and great-grandmother. She was the consummate friend to countless people.

Preceded in death by her husband, John W. Wasem; her parents, James and Viola Dray; and a great-granddaughter, Ava Marie Wasem; Donna is survived by her sister, Rosalie (Don) Wolfe of Massillon; son, John (Leslie) Wasem of Candler NC; granddaughter, Ashley (Caleb) Lippard, of Asheville NC; grandsons, John (Erin) Wasem, of Hilton Head SC and Timothy (Jane) Wasem, of Johnson City TN; great-grandchildren Naomi and Norah Lippard, Elle and Ian Wasem, and Henry and Lila Wasem; as well as by a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins and a legion of wonderful friends across the country.

Her Memorial Service will be held at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 101 Tremont SE, Massillon, OH 44646 with Rev. David Zerby presiding, on Sunday, September 11, 2022, from 3:00-4:00 p.m. There are no calling hours prior or after. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in Donna’s name to either Suncrest Church of St. John, Indiana (www.suncrest.org) or the Washington High School Alumni Association (www.massillonwhsaa.org).

Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home in Massillon has been entrusted with arrangements. Your memories and condolences are always welcome and may be added to our on-line guestbook at www.atkinsonfeucht.com.

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