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UPDATE: A graveside service for Donna will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, June 12, 2026 at Lakeside Cemetery (Section 7) in Hancock with Pastor Jeffrey Paulson to officiate.
Donna Margaret Archambeau, age 92, a lifelong resident of the Copper Country, passed away unexpectedly on April 5, 2026, while celebrating Easter with family and friends. Donna was born in Houghton on September 23, 1933 to Henry and Helmi (Haapapuro) Salo. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, and by her husband Walter in 2016. A graduate of Houghton Schools, she maintained many lifelong friendships in the area.
Donna will be remembered for her love of family, warm smile and sense of humor, and for the joy she brought to everyone she met. Donna lovingly told the story that her future husband, Walt, decided that she was the one for him, and the rest is history. Walt and Donna were joined in marriage at Grace Methodist Church in Houghton on April 3, 1954, sharing 62 wonderful years together.
Donna had an amazing gift of making everyone she knew and loved feel special. She sent cards and letters on special days, all written in her beautiful penmanship. She would hold a remembrance for family and friends that left this earth before her, the information carefully transferred each year to a special calendar she kept, allowing her to remember time they spent together. She treasured each person as a cherished memory in her heart.
As youngsters, her nieces and nephews all remember extended visits with their aunt. Upon returning to their families, they were generally spoiled, loved, and full of exciting stories of adventures to share of the time spent with her.
Donna was known for always having baked treats ready for visitors and a pot of coffee ready for a good visit. Like magic, a variety of delicious treats would always appear; her vast array of tasty recipes for meals and baked goods were always shared with love. Her rhubarb muffins and filled date cookies were legendary.
Furry friends were always welcome in her home, and she fostered and adopted many over the years. Donna often walked a group of neighborhood dogs, inviting any puppies to join her regular walks. She often opened her heart and home to care for pets of neighbors and friends.
Donna was an avid reader and enjoyed knitting and ceramics in her younger years. She especially enjoyed collecting artwork for her home. She had an eye for beauty in watercolors, oils, glass, and handcrafted art always selecting pieces from local artists. She enjoyed being outside gardening, cross-country skiing, raking leaves, and shoveling snow. She often noted in mid-March she was ready for spring. When asked, she would always say her favorite season was fall.
Donna is survived by her brother, Milton Salo, and sisters Ruth Clymer and Faith Makela. Donna was loved by her extended family, including nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and friends. She especially loved exploring the Copper Country with her longtime friend, William Trevorrow, (Bill).
A graveside service is planned for June 12, 2026, at Lakeside Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. in Hancock, Michigan. In lieu of floral tributes, contributions to the Copper Country Humane Society are encouraged. This organization was one that Donna regularly supported through her many charitable efforts.
O’Neill-Dennis funeral Home in Hancock is assisting with the arrangements.
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