Donalee Ellen Hoodie

Donalee Hoodie, age 80, of Markesan, WI, passed away on Friday, June 5, leaving behind a legacy of love, loyalty, and devotion to her family. Family was the heart of everything. She was a proud mother and grandmother whose greatest joy came from being present for the people she loved.

As a mother, she was the very definition of selfless devotion. She showed up for her children in every way a mother could. Her belief in her children shaped who they are today, and her influence will continue to guide them for years to come.

Nothing brought her more joy than being a grandmother, and she proudly traveled near and far to attend every game, performance, and milestone in her grandchildren’s lives. No distance was too great, no schedule too full—if her family was gathering, she was there. Her presence in the stands, in the audience, and in the crowd will forever be remembered as a symbol of her dedication and pride. Her joy expanded as she became a great grandmother.

Her most cherished memories were time spent with family, especially family vacations. She enjoyed the annual family trip up north laughing around the bonfire, going for pontoon rides and everyone just being together. Life of togetherness on any trip, whether it be at the beach, visiting light houses or seeing mountains meant the world to her.

For Donalee, hairstyling was never just a profession. It was a way of caring for people. Many came in for a haircut but stayed for the commentary, "the more she talked, the more she cut".

Those who knew Donalee knew her gift for connection. Whether it was a Snapchat streak, a daily text, a Facebook post, an Instagram message, or the perfect GIF at the perfect moment, she always found a way to reach out. If you received one from her, you knew you weren’t just on her contact list — you were part of her circle, held close in the way only she could do.

Donalee is survived by her four children, each of whom she cherished deeply, Bob (Melissa) Hoodie, Amy (Kirk) Dornfeld, Tyffany Gasper, Jamie Lopez (Mark Dahlin), her treasured grandchildren Logan (Adelyn) Hoodie, Tyler Hoodie, Ethan Hoodie (Allison Schmidli), Ashley Dornfeld (Mitch Huff), Alexandra (Ben McCabe), Kade Dornfeld (Taylor Scharschmidt), Austin Lopez (Alyssa Schmuhl), Celina Lopez (Dwight Koehler) and their father Gil Lopez, Josef Gasper and Marin Gasper and her great grandson Lane Hoodie, all who will hold close the strength of her love and the countless memories shaped by her presence. To her family, she was more than a mother and grandmother- she was their anchor, their biggest supporter, and the heart of every gathering. Her legacy lives on in the traditions she nurtured, the love she shared, and the example she set through a lifetime of being there.

She is further survived by her sisters Mary Salter, Julie Werth and Kathy (Bob) Gray and her friends she did weekly lunch and bingo with.

She leaves behind countless friends and family members too numerous to mention.

She is preceded in death by her parents Robert and Irene Werth, her sisters Jackie Owen, Patti Rechek and Faye Vis, nephews Scott Salter and Lee Owen and brother-in-law Roland Salter.

"Love one Another, please".

A celebration of Donalee's life will be held on Monday June 15th, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at The Roost, Fairwater, WI (308 Washington Street). All who loved her are welcome. Attendees are encouraged to arrive with good hair- because you know she will be watching.