Donna Lee Thorman (née Muir), 83, of Dayton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2026, after a long and brave fight with Alzheimer's disease.

Donna was born and raised in Canton, Ohio, and was a graduate of McKinley High School. Following her graduation, she relocated to Alabama with her sister Dorothy, where the two trained together to become dental assistants — a profession Donna would practice for more than 30 years.

Donna returned to Ohio after the birth of her children. She worked at Malone College, where she founded an on-campus pizza shop, Pioneer Pizza. She loved being part of the vibrant life of the campus and built close relationships with the students who came through her shop — always making sure no college student went hungry while she was there.

Donna later moved to Largo, Florida, where she once again worked as a dental assistant. She also co-founded a catering business, Accent of Elegance, with her best friend — often recruiting her own children to serve as kitchen and wait staff for events along the way.

Donna had a deep and abiding love for children. Every summer, she looked forward to serving as a teacher for Vacation Bible School, where she took special joy in planning the crafts for her students. Throughout her life, she treasured time with her own children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren above all else. She had a remarkable gift for soothing a crying baby, earning her the affectionate family nickname "the Baby Whisperer." Even in her years as a grandmother, she stayed active and involved — playing basketball and "horsie" with her grandchildren and finding joy in every moment with them.

Donna will be remembered for her fighting spirit, her perseverance, and her unshakable belief that "everything will be okay" — no matter the circumstances. Having grown up with modest means, she was determined that her children would have opportunities she never had, and she instilled in them the belief that education was the key to a better life. She will also be remembered for her endless generosity, always ready to help others — the kind of person who would give someone the shirt off her back.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Mae (Moag) Muir; her sister, Carol Muir; her brother, Jim Muir, who passed away in January 2026; and her sister, Dorothy (Muir) Glowacki, who lost her battle with cancer just three days before Donna.

Donna is survived by her sister-in-law, Karen Muir of Canton, Ohio; and her children, Philip Patterson of Canton, Ohio; Leigh-Ann (Patterson) Durant, Esq., of Lexington, Massachusetts; and Paula Patterson of Clearwater, Florida; along with 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life.

In keeping with Donna's wishes, no visiting hours or service will be held. She will be laid to rest in Clearwater, Florida.