Mrs. Donna Mae Marano
Donna Mae Marano (Olson), 84, of Smithfield, North Carolina,
passed away peacefully at home on August 19, 2025,
surrounded by her loved ones after a short battle with cancer.
Born on May 2, 1941, Donna was a loving mother, stepmother,
grandmother, sister, and friend. She attended Wausau Senior
High School and was a devoted Lutheran who enjoyed being a
Bible School Teacher. For many years, she worked as an
optician and eventually owned her own business. She loved
working with people and always greeted everyone with a smile.
Donna had a passion for writing poetry, and was proud to have
some of her work published in poetry books. She also had a soft
spot for cats, caring for several feral ones and enjoying her own
kitties.
Donna is preceded in death by her parents, Gilman Olson and
Dorothy Boardman; two brothers, Leroy and Edward Olson; her
longtime friend and the father of her daughters, Dale Kurth; and
nephews Jason Pischke, Jerry Olson, and Kenny Olson.
She is survived by her two daughters, Coleen Morse and
Christine (Daniel) Revoir; a sister, Mary Olson-Sinz; and two
stepchildren, Kari Marano and Brian (Erika) Marano. She also
leaves behind two grandson’s, Derek (Casey) Kurth and
Brandon Au-yong; three granddaughter’s Sarah and Jessica
Morse, and Stephanie (Jason) Rosenow; and many nieces,
nephews, cousins, and other family members from Wisconsin
whom she loved dearly.
A celebration of life will be held at Holy Cross Lutheran
Church, 2920 Veterans Parkway, Clayton, NC on October 25,
2025, at 2 p.m. Refreshments will be served following the
inurnment. A live feed will be available for those who are out of
state at http://holycrossclayton.com/ or
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFWp14weSisxJFzEf7lGG
UQ. A separate service will be held in Wisconsin at a later date
in the spring of 2026.
In lieu of flowers, Donna requested that donations be made to a
local animal rescue.
Click on the Add Comments Line
below to leave a message for the family.
Guest Book
Family or Deceased Name: Donna Mae Marano
Your Name: Coleen Morse
Email: Sue52170@yahoo.com
Message: There are no words to explain the loss of a mom until it happens. I still feel you with me in my sadness, and in my Joy. The twists and turns of life leads us all down many paths , I am thankful ours was to love. You were my mom first, and my friend second. There is not a day that goes by that you aren’t on my mind. I know God was with you in your sufferings, and will hold you close until we meet again. Faith is the substance of things hoped for and not seen. The children and I will miss you until then. Thanks for the memories.
. Love you always Mom
Date: 2025
Family or Deceased Name: Donna M. Marano
Your Name: Tony Zamora
Email: Captzam@gmail.com
Message: The angels are always near to those who are grieving, to whisper to them that their loved ones are safe in the hand of God
Date: 9-10-25
Family or Deceased Name: Donna M. Marano
Your Name: Tanya Woods
Email: markwoodswife@yahoo.com
Message: I had the pleasure knowing Donna but a short time, but I am friends with her Sister Mary and her Daughter Chris ,My Heart goes out to Donna's Family at this time ,all my Blessings and Prayers 🙏
Date: 9-9-2025
Click Here To Add Comments For Obituary Postings