"I was shocked to hear of Donna's death. Donna and I were best friends in Alta. My name then was Lori Dills. She lived behind me and down on the corner. I remember her mom well and her brother Ron. I will keep her boys and family in my prayers."
In loving memory of
Donna Ann Tews-Martin
January 8, 2008
Donna Ann Tews-Martin, the daughter of Don and Dorothy Ann (Harvey) Tews, was born in Sioux City, Iowa on January 28, 1957. Donna grew up in Storm Lake, Iowa where she graduated from high school in 1975. Following school, Donna began working at the Faith, Hope, & Charity Center in Storm Lake where she was a supervisor, helping the mentally and physically challenged residents.
In 1987, Donna and Anthony Martin were married in Shaller, Iowa. They made their home in Glenwood, Iowa where Donna accepted a position at the Glenwood State Hospital School. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Alax and Zack. Donna enjoyed her work as a Resident Treatment Worker and later as Supervisor in Area IV. Donna made many friends through her loving and caring personality and no one was ever unhappy when she was around. Her boys were her life and she loved spending time with them, playing games, and learning about their day. She enjoyed sharing those special times with her mother Dorothy, who became an even more important part of her life as Donna began to experience health problems. Donna also relied on the kindness and love of her many friends to support and care for the boys when she began experiencing health problems. Donna worked at the Glenwood Resource Center for 16 years before her health forced her to retire in 2001.
Donna died at the Tabor Manor Care Center in Tabor, Iowa on January 8, 2008 at the age of 50 years, 11 months, and 10 days. She was preceded in death by her father Don Tews and stepfather Cleo Hayes. Donna is survived by her sons Alax Martin and Zack Martin, and mother Dorothy Hayes, all of Glenwood; brothers Ron Tews and his wife Monica of Davenport, IA, Tracy Hayes and Brian Tews of Austin, TX.
Tributes
"My heart sank when I read of Donna's death in the Glenwood paper tonight. What an amazing woman! We first met 16 years ago when I worked as a teacher at Northeast Elementary and then later as a Counselor at West. Being in education, I've worked with many parents; yet,I don't know that I've ever met a more caring, loving, and supportive mother, than Donna. Her boys meant the world to her and there is nothing that she wouldn't do to help them succeed in life. She was an inspiration to me spiritually and ironically was like my counselor during my personal times of need, yet she was going through so much more than I could ever imagine. Due to a job transfer 5 years ago, I have not had as much daily contact with your family as what I once did. However, you've always had a special place in my heart. I received many gifts, bible passages, notes, etc. from Donna that I have saved and reflect on periodically. She was a gift from God and although she will be missed terribly, I'm so thankful that she is now at peace. I'm disappointed that I didn't know earlier about Donna's passing or I would have attended the services. Please know Alax, Zack, & Dorothy that you are in my thoughts and prayers. "
"Just wanted to say how sorry I am to Donnas family in the loss of her, she was a wonderful mother, her family was everything to her. She was a wonderful person and I will miss her being on this earth, she made it a much better place. Her faith always inspired me, she was such a strong lady and always loved and inspired everyone she met. She was my supervisor at Glenwood Resource Center for a little while and I had a lot of respect for her, as she always treated everyone with such respect and dignity, she was a hard act to follow. This world was a better place with her in it, but I am glad she is not suffering anymore, she persevered through everything for so long, I am sorry for her boys loss, but I am glad she is at peace finally, I'm glad she got her wings. I love her and I'll miss her. God bless to her wonderful family and her wonderful friend Pam who was her right arm all these years. Lo"
"I met Donna when I had her son, Alax, in my first grade class. My first impression of her was that of a mother who would do anything to support her son in becoming the best that he could be. She truly saw her boys as gifts from God. Anyone who knew Donna knew that she, too, was a gift from God. She's at peace now and will be missed terribly. My prayers are with all of you."
"Dear Zack, Alax, and Dorothy, I will have a difficult time putting into words all that your mother and you guys mean to me. I never could have imagined how enriched my life was going to become the day I met your mom....not only did I gain a wonderful friend, but I was also given the gift of all of you. I have been so blessed to be a part of your lives! I can not think of any person that I have admired more than your mother. She loved you boys so deeply and unconditionally. I have always told you how lucky you are to have that kind of love from a parent. I know these last months have been so difficult. I also know that Donna was at peace; she knew she had done her job...she had raised 2 of the greatest guys I know. She was so proud of the both of you. She knew that you would continue on the exciting journey of life with kind hearts and strong, grounded beliefs about who you are. You were her greatest accomplishment. I love you all very much and will always be here for you. Some of the best, most hysterical memories of my life have been with all of you crazy Martin's....I can't wait for all those yet to come! Always in my heart... Kristi "
"It was with deep sadness that I heard of Donnaâ??s passing Tuesday. Donna was a loving kind person. I am so glad I was able to get to know her as one of Alaxâ??s kindergarten and first grade teachers that worked with him. She was a great source of support not only for her kids but for teachers also. She was always so positive about any thing we did at school. It was truly a pleasure to work with her as a parent of a student. I have some wonderful memories of her. I will share a couple that come to mind. When I first met Donna, I was touched at how patient she was with Alax. He was so frightened to be in a new school when he first came to Northeast. The thing that I remember with great fondness is how she knew you were so anxious about being at NE and how you were going to handle it. Alax, do you remember the pin your mom had you wear? It was a picture of your mom on a button pin and you had it pinned over your heart. She stated the reason it was over your heart was because even though she could not be at school with you that she really was always there right by your heart because she loved you so. When she explained that to me with you listening I could see your fear of the new place just float away. What special mom you had! She was always doing creative things to help you and your brother! As for Zack, your mom always was so excited in your interest with the weather. She and I made some weather chart materials so you could give your weather report at home for Al, Grandma and your mom. Your mom knew exactly what she wanted and went to great lengths so that your weather charts would look like Bill Randbyâ??s. After all, you had to be credible if you were going to be a weatherman!! She would share with me how proud she was of your interests and how well you are doing in school. I know that right now you all are very sad. The thought of knowing that Donna is in a better place right now will, hopefully, ease the sorrow some. She is free of all the pain and suffering she had to go through. I want you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. "
"I am sincerely sorry for your loss. Donna was a wonderful person, although I only knew her breifly. You are all in my thoughts and prayers."