Donna “Dilly” Jean Dillingham-Smyth
February 4, 1933 – May 13, 2025
Donna “Dilly” Jean Dillingham-Smyth, 92, of Fowlerville, Michigan, peacefully passed away on May 13, 2025. Born and raised in Fowlerville, Donna lived a life marked by unwavering faith, deep compassion, and a servant’s heart.
She was first married to Richard Dillingham, who preceded her in death. Later, she found love again with Donald Smyth, who passed away in January of 2024. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her beloved sisters Ruth, Gertrude, Doris, and Virginia; her stepdaughter Lori Smyth; sister-in-law Anna Dillingham; brother-in-law Robert Dillingham; her lifelong best friend of over 90 years, Betty Kane—who shared many laughs and endless cribbage games with her—and lifelong friend Charlotte Ott.
She is survived by her devoted son Chuck Dillingham and his wife Jeanne, whom Donna absolutely adored. Jeanne wasn’t just a daughter-in-law—she was Donna’s best bud and one of her greatest joys in life. The two shared countless adventures, shopping trips, heartfelt conversations, and laughter-filled games of “aggravation.” Their bond was deep, genuine, and full of love.
She is also survived by her grandchildren Brittany Hess (Dean Hess), Bert Kangas, Mitchell Ramsey, Jesse Ramsey, Stanton Trumble, and Dalana Trumble; and great-grandchildren Henry Hess, Declan Hess, Veda Hess, Renee Ramsey, Miranda Ramsey, Alana Ramsey, Evan Ramsey, and Dalton Trumble. Donna also leaves behind her beloved grand-dog, Mr. Weiner, who was a cherished companion.
Donna is survived by her stepchildren Norma Jean, Doug Acker, and Jim Smyth; many step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and step-nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind a host of loving nieces and nephews who will carry her memory with them always.
Affectionately known as “Dilly,” Donna was the kind of woman who always put others before herself. Her famous peanut butter cake became a symbol of comfort and celebration for anyone lucky enough to receive one. In her later years, she found peace and joy in bird watching—especially when a cardinal, her favorite bird, appeared at her window.
Donna was a devoted Catholic and a woman of strong and steady faith. She lived her life as a reflection of Christ’s love, touching countless lives through her kindness, humor, quiet strength, and unwavering generosity.
Her legacy of love, friendship, and faith will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Fowlerville. Dilly's family will receive friends on Monday, May 19, 2025, from 4-7pm at Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes, MacDonald Chapel and again Tuesday at St. Agnes Catholic Church one hour prior to Mass.
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