Obituary of Donna Marie LaRoche

LaRoche, Donna Marie Bay City, MI Donna LaRoche, our loving Mother, Grandmother, Sister and Aunt passed away at home surrounded by her family on November 27, 2020 at the age of 91. She was born on January 14, 1929 to Nelson and Anna (Stevenson) Hicks. Donna was born and raised in Deford and Flint Michigan, graduating from Flint Northern High School, class of 1947. Donna had an incredibly strong work ethic throughout her life. She began working on her family farm in Deford beginning at the age of 4 delivering milk with her sisters and brothers and continued working until the age of 84, where she finally retired from her family owned Fairway Golf Center on Pine Rd in Bay City. Over the years she also helped run and manage LaRoche Plumbing/Cooling/Heating and family owned Richie's Restaurant. Donna was an avid reader, loved crossword puzzles and enjoyed the outdoors. She was most proud of her role as Mother and Grandmother. She had a very special relationship with each of her seven grandchildren. She was an active part of their daily lives over the years babysitting, helping with homework, school projects, attending every sporting/dancing event, family vacations and spending time with them regularly. Donna married Robert LaRoche on September 24, 1949. He preceded her death on January 17, 2004. Donna is survived by her three sons and two daughter-in-laws, William (Gayle) LaRoche, Mark LaRoche and Kirk (Linda) LaRoche. Also surviving are seven grandchildren Carrie (John) LaRoche-Sinay, Jeremy (Kristen) LaRoche, Craig (Hollie) LaRoche, Alicia (Shoji Harris) LaRoche, Melissa, Katie and Tyler LaRoche. She also has eleven great grandchildren: Laken, Lesley, Nevaeh, Griffin, Braiden, Bella, Leah, Alerah, Owen, Destiny, Kaidence and one great-great grandson Kayson. She is also survived by her twin sister Della Grieve and brother in law Robert Grieve, several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sisters Evelyn Seymour and Marion Waxell and her brothers: Andrew, Lloyd and Neil Hicks. The family would like to say a special thank you to all of the McLaren Hospice staff. Their kindness, support, compassion and patience was beyond measure. In honor of Donna's wishes, a private family celebration of her life will be held. Final resting place will be at Floral Gardens Cemetery. Condolences can be sent to the home of Bill and Gayle LaRoche 3036 Wilder Rd, Bay City, MI 48706. To sign online guestbook visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com