Donna Jean Gonzales´ Obituary

Donna Jean (nee Lint) Gonzales, age 58, of Lake Station, Indiana went home to the Lord on January 10, 2025. She will be missed and fondly remembered. She was born on December 19, 1966 in Valparaiso, Indiana to the late James and Ruth Lint. Donna served as Club Director for the Lake Station Boys and Girls Club of Lake Station and served hundreds of children over the course of her career. She is described as a beacon of light for the community, a mother to all, selfless, a fierce protector, mentor, a source of inspiration and most of all, an example of what an incredible mother embodies.

She is survived by her best friend and soulmate of 35 years, Jose ¨John¨ Esparza; her children Jackie (Alex) Taylor, Amber (Nick) Gonzales, Michelle Hughes, Amy (Noe) Vera Duran, Madelyn Hughes, Wayne Hughes Jr, DaiVaughn Hughes and Nevaeh Hughes; grandchildren, Andrea, Dylan, Brooke, Braylyn and Payton Hardesty, Amara Taylor, Adelyn Shelton, Kaden McGee, Juliana, Royce and Audrina Jean Vera; and great granddaughter, Bailey Hardesty. Look how much her love multiplied!

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Ruth Lint; and sisters, Desiree Emerson and Anna Hardy. We know that they, as well as Edward Knox (nephew), have welcomed her with a morel mushroom hunt accompanied by a tall glass of ice water.

Aren´t we all so lucky to have had a chance to know Donna? She is a treasure, the finest that they come. Let her kindness be contagious, her peacefulness overwhelm you, her spirit guide you all always, and may every single one of you take a piece of her wherever you go. The best way to honor her is to help your community in any way you see fit! Your participation matters!

If you know of Donna, and have stories to share, please do leave them for her children to read. There is no greater comfort than knowing how you know her, what impact she made on you, and the lessons you drew from her.

Visitation for Donna will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025 from 2-8PM at Rees Funeral Home, Olson Chapel, 5341 Central Ave, in Portage IN. A funeral service will take place Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 10:00 am at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest at McCool Cemetery in Portage, IN. For more information, please call 219-762-3013. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com