Donna L. Burke

08/24/1945 — 09/20/2009

My mom was a wonderful wife, daughter, and mother, and she was loved beyond what words can say. She was very happily married to her high school sweetheart for over 45 years, and they were together until the day she died. My dad never left her side; he loved and cared for his sweetheart every day of her life until she passed away. She was always such a supportive, positive, and caring mother, who was always there for my two sisters and me. We could always count on her for anything we needed.

Her battle with melanoma went on for years; some they were able to remove, but a spot on her head was not found until it was too late and she was diagnosed at Stage IV. She fought so hard for so long, but in the end it took her life. It’s coming up on 3 years, but it still feels like yesterday. I miss her so badly some days that my whole body hurts.

My goal is to keep her memory alive by supporting and volunteering in as many melanoma events as possible and, also, to fight for more funds for research and awareness. Just not enough is being done to help find a cure yet, and I make a promise to help make this happen. This is for you, Mom. I love you.

Michelle Schroeder, daughter