Donna June Bruckner

Donna June Bruckner was born on an army base in Pirmasens, Germany to her parents Dean and Deanna Bruckner. She was their third child and is survived by her brother, Darrell Bruckner; and sister, Charlene Matheny. As a girl, Donna moved several times with her family and lived in multiple states, frequently attending a new school which we believe helped develop her wonderful outgoing personality. Donna's beloved son Jacob Thomas Sowell was born in 1994 and her precious daughter Angelita was born and died in 2004.
Donna graduated from Clay high school in South Bend. She spent a few years working at a stained-glass studio, and then began working in her favored activity, gardening, at Varner's Nursery. She had been working at Ginger Valley Garden Center since 2007. She loved growing plants and working with herbs, flowers and all things botanical. It was said of her that where others saw weeds, Donna saw healing, as she grew and collected herbs for remedies and cosmetics. She loved to create any form of art including painting, drumming, singing, and writing. Donna was an avid reader. She shared her gifts as she participated in groups at Sacred Waters Spiritual Center.
The people that knew her know that she was an intensely compassionate person. Her passion was extremely evident in her love of plants, people and animals. She loved dirt under her nails, the wind in her hair, and the sun on her face; a curious free spirit born into a world full of wonder. She often blessed fellow earthly creatures who had died on roadsides, recognizing their lives and spirits. She was astounded and honored when an escaped tame hawk picked her shoulder to land on while she was working outside.
She was the kind of person that would give you the clothes off her back if she thought you needed it. Even in the toughest of times, she was always concerned about others. She will be remembered for amazing home cooked meals, and for giving a warm smile when someone walked in the door, no matter how long it had been, making them feel like they had never left.
A celebrated friend, a loving mother, a cherished sister and daughter.
We hope that with her peaceful passing, the creator she loved will bestow upon her the wings that she deserved.
A Visitation for Donna will be held Friday, Feb. 22nd from 10 - 11:00 am, with services at 11:00 am at, Community Baptist Church, 28647 US 12, Edwardsburg, MI 49112. There will be a luncheon following the service.