Our beloved best friend and companion, mother, grandmother, sister, and sister-in-law, Donna Mae Haxby, 68, died peacefully at home on June 6, 2020. She had been battling COPD for many years.
Donna was born in Butte, MT to Leslie Waddell and Dolores (Gregory) Waddell on October 8, 1951. She was the sixth of nine children. She attended Sacred Heart School, Immaculate Conception School, and received her eighth-grade diploma from St. Patrick’s Catholic School. She then attended Butte High School and Whitehall High School.
Donna will always be remembered in her younger years for being a feisty young lady who liked to get in west side neighborhood brawls with sister April. She would also stay at Cinders Park past curfew skating even though she was afraid of her own shadow.
As an adult Donna joined a bowling team, crocheted many blankets, and sweater sets for her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. She enjoyed babysitting her grandson Glen Haxby. She was raised in a close-knit family and so all of the holidays were spent with her sisters and brothers-in-law in Butte.
Donna married Jerrold James Haxby in 1969 in Whitehall, MT. They were blessed with three children James Joseph Haxby, Jerrold Leslie Haxby, and Theresa Jane Haxby. The marriage ended in divorce.
Donna then met her best friend and companion Edwin Parker and they spent the last twenty-three years together. They enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren Will Haxby and Macie Haxby and would go above and beyond making them special breakfasts at Donna’s Diner. They also delighted for caring for her great nephews Isiah, Malachi, and Landon.
She was preceded in death by her parents Leslie Waddell and Dolores Shea; son, James Joseph Haxby; brother, Robert Sweeney; uncle and aunts Louis and Mabel Laurence and Charles and Claire Van Diest, grandfather, Paul Gregory and brother-in-law Joseph McManamon.
She is survived by her loving best friend and companion Edwin Parker; sisters, Linda McManamon and April Sullivan; brother and sister-in-law Pat and Martha Sweeney; sisters and brothers-in-law Karen and Steve Sands, Laura Wine and Jim, Paula and Joe Parini, and Debbie and Bill Thomas; son and daughter-in-law Jerry and Katie Haxby, and daughter Theresa Haxby; grandchildren, Jacob Haxby, William Haxby, Macie Haxby, Andi Buhl, Glen Haxby and Destiny Haxby; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Service will be held at St Patrick’s Church on June 11, 2020 at 11 am.
Donations in her memory can be made to Frontier Hospice, March of Dimes, or the Butte Police Protective Association.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Popovich, LeAnn, Dr. Brewer, the Frontier staff especially Stacie, Stacy, Mike, and Stephanie. Our heartfelt thanks to Father Hanley and Father Beretta and Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Donna. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Donna and her family.
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Thursday June 11, 2020
Saint Patrick's Catholic Church
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Thursday June 11, 2020
Saint Patrick's Catholic Church
Butte, Montana 59701
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Shelia Schumacher says
She was a friend and co worker of mine.Now you can rest in peace fly with the angels dear friend till we meet again.
Deanna Wall says
Had many good long visits with Donna when she lived in Whitehall. Enjoyed all of our bowling games and tournaments. She will be deeply missed.
CANDACE BUDHRAM says
We were in fourth grade together in 1960, and lost touch as we moved to Colorado. For some reason I had been having little flash from the past this week and maybe we had a spiritual link. She was always wonderful, kind and fun.
Her mother was gracious and and I last saw Donna in 1965. God Bless her sweet soul. Candace.