Donna Marie Horton

DONNA MARIE HORTON (nee Formick) age 81, was the beloved wife of nearly 60 years to William Horton, and together they built a life rooted in love, devotion, and family. She was a proud and loving mother to her son, Robert Horton (Kevin), and her daughter, Lauren Austin (Michael), and a devoted "Nannie" to her grandchildren, Brad (Danielle) Horton, Madeline Horton, Evelyn Horton, Matthew Austin, and Ryan Austin. Her family was the center of her world, and she showed her love not only through words, but through her actions, her example, and her unwavering presence. Donna is preceded in death by her parents Sue (Gambatese) Formick and Dominic Formick as well as her siblings Marilou Bassett and Joseph Formick

A devout Catholic with a strong and steadfast faith, Donna lived her beliefs daily through compassion, generosity, and grace. She had an unexplainable calming presence and treated everyone she met with genuine kindness, making people feel seen, welcomed, and loved.

Donna was an enthusiastic Disney fanatic who delighted in all things Disney. She took frequent trips to the parks with family and friends, creating treasured memories filled with laughter, wonder, and togetherness. These adventures reflected her joyful spirit and her love of making meaningful moments with those she held dear.

Creative and talented, Donna owned her own embroidery business and had a deep appreciation for the arts. In her younger years, she loved to dance, and throughout her life she remained an avid supporter of the performing arts. She volunteered at Playhouse Square and attended countless performances, operas, plays, and musicals, finding inspiration and happiness in the beauty of artistic expression.

Proud of her Italian heritage, Donna found joy in cooking and sharing her cherished family recipes with her children and grandchildren. These recipes have been lovingly carried on, often with Donna happily offering critiques whenever given the chance. Feeding people was one of her greatest expressions of love.

Over the last six years, Donna formed an incredible and meaningful bond with her aides, who cared for her with compassion, dignity, and love, treating her as if she were their own family. The family is deeply grateful for the devotion and kindness they showed Donna each day.

Donna also shared a remarkable bond with an incredible group of friends. Their many "girls' trips" and get-togethers produced countless hilarious stories and memories that will live on through laughter for years to come.

Donna Marie Horton (Formick) passed away surrounded by the love of her family, leaving behind a legacy of faith, kindness, creativity, and joy that will be cherished by all who knew her.

Donna will be deeply missed, but her love, faith, laughter, and gentle spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities Corporation, c/o Catholic Community Foundation, 1404 East Ninth Street, Cleveland, Ohio 44114 or online HERE. Family and friends are welcome to gather on Friday, February 6th, at Divine Word Catholic Church in Kirtland from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., with a service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Lake View Cemetery. A celebration of Donna's life will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Pine Ridge Country Club 30601 Ridge Road in Wickliffe. Donna loved to feed people and spoke for years about her celebration party-she truly hoped everyone would come together, eat, laugh, and celebrate a life well lived.