Donna Whalen, age 99, of Appleton, passed away on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at St. Paul's Home in Kaukauna, following a brief illness. She passed away on her own terms, peacefully and comfortably, satisfied and happy with having lived a long and well spent life. Donna was born on a farm outside of Capron, Illinois on November 30th, 1922, to the late Patrick H. and Mary E. "Nellie" (Flynn) Haley. On June 3, 1944, she was united in marriage to John F. "Jack" Whalen at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Joplin, Missouri as Jack was stationed at Camp Crowder. The couple spent 66 happy years together until Jack's passing in November of 2010. Donna was an avid Bridge player and reader. She enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, golfing and traveling. She was a great cook and liked entertaining and feeding people at her home. Volunteer activities included working at St. Elizabeth's Hospital and delivering Meals-on-Wheels. She was a long-time member of Sacred Heart Parish in Appleton and a member of Appleton Elks Lodge #337.

Donna will be missed by her three children: Tom (Mary McCoy) Whalen, Milwaukee, Jeanne (Pete) Schwaller, Appleton, and Paul (Ann) Whalen, Appleton; 5 grandchildren: Sam (Brittni) Schwaller, Abbie (Alec) Buccanero, Lizzy (Colin) Miley, Patrick (Steph) Whalen, and Chris Whalen; 2 great grandchildren: Erin and Connor Miley and one on the way. She will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Patrick and Mary, her husband, Jack, three sisters (Mildred Kelly, Madeline Georgeson, and Dorothy Georgeson), and one brother (Maurice Haley).

A private family service and mass were held following her death. Donations in her memory may be sent to Sacred Heart Parish, 222 E. Fremont St. Appleton, WI 54915.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Cyndi and Jade for their compassionate care for Donna.