Donna Lynn Wojcik (Nee Pilichowski)

Donna Lynn Wojcik surrounded by family and friends passed away Saturday Sept. 23 at Aurora

Medical Center in Summit.

She was born in Milwaukee, daughter of Phil and Agnes (nee Zakowski) Pilichowski. She was the

beloved wife of Lee Wojcik for 34 years, caring stepmother to Christine (Adam) Doleshal and Carrie

(Ken) Ripp. Donna was a loving sister to Susan McDermott and devoted aunt to nephews Ryan and Rory.

She is further survived by her grandchildren, great grandchildren, a recent great grand nephew, and other

family and friends. She was preceded in death by both her parents, father-in-law and mother-in-law,

Sigmund and Irene Wojcik, her very close cousin, Ann Pilichowski and brother-in-law Michael McDermott.

Donna grew up in Milwaukee, attending St. Rita Grade School and Pius High School, Class of 1970. She

attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where she earned The Degree of Bachelor of Science in

Education and then a Masters Degree in Education focusing on Behavorial Studies.

Donna taught for 33 years beginning her career at Lakeland School in Elkhorn in 1974. It was there that

she taught special needs classes and children with autism. Donna shared her expertise as a University

Instructor at UW-W where she taught and was published. She then relocated to Washington Elementary

in Whitewater. It was there that she continued working with special needs children. She eventually joined

the Oconomowoc School District in January, 1985. She taught in her field at Meadow View until 1990

when she transferred to Summit Elementary to a 5th Grade position after obtaining a regular education

certification.

Donna loved children and embraced all teaching opportunities with creativity, dedication, and a strong

professional skill set that made her the exceptional teacher that she was. She felt very passionate about

providing a classroom full of laughter, fun, and a love of learning. When she retired in 2007, Donna was

an accomplished educator, recognized as such by her peers and her lifetime legacy of students.

When not immersed in teaching, Donna enjoyed a lovely lake life. Okauchee Lake was her happy place.

Growing up at the family cottage, and then moving to her own home, Donna was always in or near the

water. She maintained a beautiful residence, seasonally decorated, for everyone. Family and friends could

live the dream of swimming, waterskiing, fishing, boating, floating, and just being together. Her gardens

were gorgeous and her meals were gourmet.

Donna had a great laugh, an embracing warmth, and a loving spirit that will be forever missed. Her

ailments in her later life left time lost with family and friends. She, however, would want to focus on the

good times and positive memories that will always live in our hearts.

The family would like to thank the kind and caring staff at Aurora Medical Center, 3rd Floor East, for their

attention and support.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Catherine of Alexandria in Mapleton, Wisconsin,

HAWS in Waukesha, Wisconsin or a charity of your choice.

Funeral services are being held at St. Catherine of Alexandria on Friday October 13th. Visitation is from

1pm to 3pm with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow.