Donna Lee Mae Evans

Donna Lee Mae Evans, age 87, passed away at Crystal Seasons in Lake Crystal on August 8, 2026. She was born on July 28, 1939, to John C. and Ethel Smith (Vanderhoof) in St. Paul, MN.

Donna Lee grew up in St. Paul and obtained her Professional Modeling Certification from Stephan Schools in 1957. She later graduated from St. Paul Public Schools in 1959. In 1962, she married Daniel Stephen Shockey and had a son, Daniel John. On March 17, 1973, she married William (Bill) Leonard Evans. Together, they had a daughter, Rebecca Lynn.

Donna Lee so loved the people in her life, laughing, dancing, and fishing. She especially loved her grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them.

Donna Lee is survived by son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Karen Shockey (Brooks); son-in-law and daughter, Alec and Rebecca Bieck (Evans); grandchildren Madison, Mackenzie, Paityn, Taitem, Ryley, great-grandson Braxten, and many other loved ones who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bill, and many other members of her extended family and very close friends.

Donna will be remembered for her beloved full-hearted laugh, her sassy sense of humor, and the love she shared with those around her. Her memory will remain with all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

The following handwritten poem seems to have meant a great deal to her; it was found among her things – clearly carried with her for many years.

Letting Go
Author Unknown

The angels gathered near your bed,
so very close to you
For they knew all of the things,
that you were going through,
I thought about so many things,
I tightly held your hand;
I wished that you were strong, thy, once again;

Your eyes were looking homeward
to a place beyond the sky,
Where God will hold you always,
It was time to say goodbye;
I struggled with my selfish thoughts --
for I wanted you to stay
so we could walk and talk again,
like we did just yesterday;

But God still knows what’s best
and I knew God loved you so
So I gave you life’s greatest gift;
the gift of letting go.