Michelle Miche' Donarski
February 8, 1968 ~ May 18, 2020
Michelle Marie Donarski, of Fargo, ND passed away May 18, 2020 in her home.
Michelle was born February 8, 1968 in Grafton, N.D. the daughter of Antonio and Beverly (Staffne) Collette. She grew up in Grafton and graduated from Grafton High School. She attended the University of North Dakota and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration with majors in accounting and finance. Michelle worked in banking and IT industry in Operations Management and Project Management until she retired in January 2018, one year after her diagnosis of ALS.
On September 21, 1996 Michelle married the love of her life Mark Donarski. They were blessed with two children Cloe and Brady. Michelle absolutely loved being a wife and mother, her children and husband were her greatest joy and encouraged them in everything they did. Michelle was a vibrant soul, with a smile that always welcomed you. She loved spending time with family and friends. She enjoyed family trips, movies, cheering on the Fighting Sioux, playing cards, cooking, and entertaining. She will be remembered for hosting parties that brought good friends together for a wonderful time. Michelle was active in the ALS support group, raising awareness, and fundraising for the ALS Association. She advocated for legislation that would help those with ALS. She pursued research for a cure and cause of ALS by participating in surveys and studies.
Michelle is survived by her husband of 23 years, Mark Donarski; children Cloe Donarski and Brady Donarski of Fargo, ND; sisters and brothers, Mary Collette, Matthew Collette, Timothy (Pam) Collette, Jeffrey Collette, Patricia (Jay) Mayer of Grafton, ND; mother-in-law, Carol Michalek of Argyle, MN and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Antonio and Beverly Collette; and father-in-law, Allen (A.J.) Donarski.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Fargo ALS Walk (Team Michelle), 5561 Farmstead Ct. S., Fargo ND 58104.
Both services will be live streamed below:
https://vimeo.com/421567748
The host site for the Live stream is having technical difficulties. The funeral is being recorded and will be posted after the Mass if there are continual issues. Our apologies!
Michelle's Video Tribute can be viewed below:
To the family of Michele, you have my deepest condolences. She was a wonderful soul. I knew her from the SAE house in grand forks.
We are very sorry for your loss, we understand completely how hard it is to watch a loved one go through so much! Cherish all your memories and know Michelle will never be forgotten.
Our thought and prayers and with you all,
Jeff and Lisa
I first met Michelle at UND when I was an undergraduate at SAE fraternity. Later, we briefly worked at the same company. In between, I saw her at some UND hockey get togethers. I always saw her as a fun loving and sweet person. I can still see her smiling face. My condolences to Michelle’s family and all her friends.
We are so sorry to hear of Michelle’s passing. She was such a true beauty, inside and out. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this sad time.
Randy, Sherry, Rayna and Damon Lucas
Love to all of you.we loved this special Angel.We know Candy and Chris were there to come her to Heaven.Enjoy your special memories….I know I will
I only had the pleasure of working with and knowing Michelle and her family for a short time. She was a blessing to me. Mark, Chloe, and Brady I know that she will be watching over you. God bless you all. My condolences. There are no words that will ease the pain. Michelle made this world a better place.
Mark, Cloe, & Brady,
I am sending you lots of prayers, hugs and love as you endure this difficult time. Michelle is now in peace and may God rest her soul. She was loved by many and will be missed.
Rest in Paradise Michelle!
Sarah Iverson
I am so very grateful to have known and worked with this loving, beautiful soul.
We are sorry for your loss, Michelle is a glorious Soul. We were blessed to meet Michelle through my son and daughter in-law Rick and Dawnette Rea, through neighborhood parties. Prayers for all of you through this hard time. I will never forget the beautiful smile, that lite up the room.
I am so sorry for your family’s loss. I worked with Michelle at Community First. She always had a smile on her face and was always so kind to everyone. She will be deeply missed by many. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Our deepest sympathies to Mark, Chloe, Brady and all your family on the loss of Michelle. May she rest in Peace.
Mark and family, We are heart broken over the loss of Michelle. We loved her so much, she was a breath of fresh air whenever we were together. She treated everyone with respect, love and kindness. We have had many years of wonderful memories, we just wanted more! Love all of you, thanks for sharing you wife, and mom with us! ❤️
We are so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in our prayers and asking The Lord to minister His peace, comfort and healing for your hurting hearts.
Our most heartfelt condolences. Michelle was always fun to be around and always smiling.
Michelle’s memory is a treasure that will be held in many hearts.
Mark, Cloe & Brady…..
We are so deeply sorry for your loss. Michelle was a fighter and an inspiration to so many. May her compassion live on in each of you and in all those she impacted. May her memory be forever blessed.
Mark and Kids,
I’m sending my deepest condolences to you all. May God grant you comfort strength, and peace as you each deal with your tremendous loss and grief.
Kim Ness
Mark and family – so sorry for your loss.
Carolyn Prante (used to work with Mark at John Deere)
Mark. Our prayers go out to you and your family in this time of loss. God bless you and watch over you and your family.
Monte
Sorry to hear of your loss. Michelle was a great cousin. She will be deeply missed.
Jean (Collette) Privratsky and Laudie.
I didn’t know Michelle, but I am not a stranger to the suffering her family went through with her. My much-loved dad died in April from complications of ALS. It’s a cruel disease. I’m so very sorry and praying for your peace and comfort.
Sympathy to Michelle’s family. May she rest in peace.
Our deepest sympathies to your family as you grieve Michelle. May God hold you in the palm of his hand and wrap his arms around you during this difficult time. Prayers of comfort and strength in this time of need.
Mark, Chloe & Brady,
We are so sad to hear about the loss of Michelle. She always had a smile and was so pleasant! You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Deepest Sympathy,
Jim & Kim Haug
Mark and Family, sorry for your loss. I know there aren’t words that will take away the pain and sadness you’re feeling right now. If you need anything, I’m here brother.
Sorry to hear of Michelle’s passing. She was always fun to be around when playing cards. Her smiling face will be missed.
She fought a very hard battle that is impossible to beat today. She is at peace and no longer suffering.
Mark, Cloe & Brady-
May you find comfort in all those wonderful memories you have of Michelle/your mom. She was such a joy to be around. She will be missed by so many. Prayers for you all!
Mark and family
I have no words! ALS is devastating and the loss is awful!
Hugs and prayers to you!
Mark, Cloe, & Brady,
Many thoughts and prayers to you all in the loss of Michelle. She truly was a blessing and I will always remember her for the smile I saw on her face whenever I’d see her around the work building or out in public. May her shining and caring spirit always live on through all the sweet and precious memories you hold so dear to your hearts. 💞
In deepest sympathy,
Angie Vaagen Froehlich and family
Mark, Chloe and Brady,
I had the privilege of meeting Michelle and family at the monthly ALS support group meetings. So I got to know all of you over the past 3 years. Michelle was a continued inspiration to me as a person who never complained about ALS and all she endured. She always was smiling. She is so missed. And what a loving family she had to care for her. Bless you all.
Sorry for your loss. Keeping your family in our prayers.
AJ and Jean Beamon
My deepest sympathy and love to Michelle’s loved ones. May all your happy memories comfort you.
Mark and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. You have my deepest condolences. (Former JDES employee)
Katie Christmann
I knew Michelle in college at UND through being an LSOM at the SAE house. Was fortunate to run into her a few years ago at the lake. So fun to touch base again with her. What a happy loving soul. I was privileged to know her. My condolences to the Donarski family.
“She’s the sky that holds the clouds”, Mark, Cloe and Brady, may the Lord wrap his arms around you and comfort you during this time. Michelle was one incredible person. I am so grateful that I got to know her, if only for a little while. My sincere condolences.
Mark and the Donarski and Collette families… I am so sorry for your loss. Michelle was a special person who lit a room up with simply her smile. I will remember her kindness and her toughness. She was an inspiration to us all and will be greatly missed. You’re in my thoughts and prayers. Marky D…call if you ever need anything!
To the family of Michelle, you have our deepest condolences. She was a wonderful little sister of SAE and somehow kept us in line with that great smile and wonderful personality. She will be missed.
What a beautiful tribute to an amazing woman. So sorry for your loss.
Sending you all my thoughts and prayers. Michelle was my student and I always thought it was wonderful she became a Little Sister at the SAE house. She became great friends with so many people I knew. Later in life I presented to the PMI group in Fargo and Michelle went out of her way to attend.
She will always be remembered for her good heart.
My heart breaks for you guys. I will always remember her with a smile. Sending my love.
Hugs to Mark, Cloe and Brady! Michelle was so loved by everyone in the ALS Support Group and she will be missed. She’s having one heck of a party in heaven tonight.
We are so sorry for your loss. Words can explain what a horrible illness ALS is….You have all been through so much but you should all stand tall and be proud of the dedication that you gave in being able to care for her at home! Stay strong and cherish the memories!
We love you Donarski’s. What a beautiful tribute to her life! It was a privilege & pleasure to know & love her. Prayers for peace during this time. We love you! ❤️
Mark and family,
We wish you peace and comfort during this difficult time, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
I met Michelle while working at a bank in Fargo, many years ago. She was always the happiest person and her smile lit up the room. Not a bad word was ever said about anybody and she made light of anything that wasn’t up to par. I hold a memory like it was yesterday and want to share it. One night we were out for a few beverages and this guy comes and asks Michelle to dance, she didn’t want to leave me at the table alone and told him no thank you. I told her, you go dance, you never know one day you might marry that guy. That guy that asked her to dance was Mark. End of story! Michelle, may you rest in peace! You will be missed and remembered by more people than you even realize.
We are so sorry for your loss and will keep your family in our prayers. God Bless.
We understand missing that person in the family who means so much. I know her and Cameron are dancing in the sky and singing in the choir. Hugs to you all!