Winslow resident Donna L. Schmitz passed away at home Thursday, February 25, 2010. Born in Canada, Donna grew up on the family homestead at Chilliwack, British Columbia. She was the sixth of seven children born to Edward A. and Louise V. Hipkoe Bell.

As a young child, her love of cooking began standing on a chair beside her mother to help prepare family meals. This love continued throughout her lifetime.

After graduation from Chilliwack High School, she opened her own restaurant and later co-owned a health spa. One of her more interesting experiences was her work as a store detective.
She and her mother came to Winslow 38 years ago to visit her Aunt Irene Hipkoe, a local elementary school teacher. She was fascinated with the area and stayed on, but regularly returned to Canada for two months each year to visit family and friends.

She and the late Gene Schmitz were married on October 14, 1976. Together they enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and traveling throughout the United States and Canada.

Donna was a member of Noname, the Red Hats, and the Winslow Harvey Girls. For many years she chaired the Cancer Fund Drives in Winslow. Her many friends considered her cooking talents to be among the best.

She is survived by her daughter Sharon (Tom) Marcus; grandson Sean (Karen) Jackson and their children Carrie-Ann and Cory; granddaughter Shannon (Erin ) Fewings and their Children Emma Rose, Sarah and Marcus, all of Surrey, British Columbia and her "almost" daughters Mary Holbrook and Lynne Lavers of Vancouver.

She has now joined her husband Gene, her parents and brothers and sisters.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 1:00 pm at Norvel Owens Mortuary Chapel, 1505 W. 3rd St, in Winslow Arizona. In lieu of flowers, please hug someone each day.