Donna (Paquin) Corp

Donna Marie (nee Paquin) Corp, age 82, of Munising, died Wednesday evening, September 5, 2018 at her home surrounded by her loving family.  She was born on January 17, 1936 in St. Ignace, Michigan to the late Alex and Theresa (Carson) Paquin.  Donna grew up and attended school in St. Ignace, where she met her sweetheart, Don Corp, while waitressing at the Nicholai Hotel and Restaurant. They were wed in Gros Cap, on August 31, 1955, initiating a marriage of over 63 years. Four kids deep, the family relocated to Munising in 1960, where they insisted on having five more. With a family of nine children, they were very fortunate that Donna Marie was an excellent homemaker and cook.

Donna’s maternal status extended beyond her own nine children, with the Corp household becoming a mealtime staple for various neighborhood youth. The four-bedroom house was open to all, and no child would leave hungry. “Eat ‘til you bust” was the family mantra, which still holds true to this very day.

Donna’s creativity didn’t end in the kitchen, she was known by her daughters as the “Queen of Paper Mache and Macrame,” and her elaborate centerpiece gifts were cherished by family and friends.  Her professional quality seamstress talents ensured her children had clothing, while also providing banners and sewing assistance for her parish.
For over thirty years Donna provided services for the Sacred Heart Church which included, Eucharistic Minister, Liturgical Minister, CCD teacher, and cook/housekeeper for the priests of the church. She also was a longtime member of St. Joseph’s Circle.

Donna coveted her faith and lived her life with positivity and compassion. In her later years her health prohibited her from attending the building, so she continued to pray and support through home. Twice a day, she would pray with the rosary, sometimes several hours at a time, depending on whom was in need.
She was a beloved matriarch and den mama, with family and friends extending all across the country. Generously sharing her time and talents, selfless to the core. She was a proud member of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians and volunteered for the Health Committee for the tribe.

Donna is survived by her husband of over sixty-three years – Don Corp of Munising; daughters  - Claire (William) Herring of Mishawaka, IN, Wendy (Tedd Cruz) of Anchorage, AK, Ellen (Daniel) Greer of Ishpeming, MI, Melanie (Dennis) Reitano Waterford, MI, Marnie (Steve) Sheffer of Munising, MI; sons – Perry (Martha) Corp of Waukesha, WI, Stanley (Cecelia) Corp of Bethel, AK, and Sam Corp of Munising, MI; nineteen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; sisters – Betty Marshall and Geraldine “Gerrie” Huyck; brothers – Ron (Molly) Paquin and Leonard Paquin; sisters-in-law – Sally Paquin, Catherine Paquin, and Charlene “Chi” Sorenson; and numerous nieces and nephews.   She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Lisa Corp in 2005, and brothers Tommy, Floyd, and Donny Paquin.

Visitation will be at the Bowerman Funeral Home on Friday, September 7, 2018 from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m.  Donna’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Chris Gardiner at Sacred Heart Church in Munising on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.  Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery.