Donna Lee (Mastalerz) Fox, 58, passed peacefully from the arms of her family into the arms of her Lord Jesus on April 18, 2018. She was born to the late Joseph and Evelyn Mastalerz on October 12, 1959 in Beech Grove, Indiana. She was the sixth of eight children. She spent her entire life residing in Indiana, including Beech Grove, Muncie, and the Southside of Indianapolis. In her youth, Donna enjoyed music, swimming, canoeing, hiking, Explorer Scouts, and attending Happy Hollow Camp for children with diabetes. Donna always defied the odds with her various diagnoses, and was a proud (almost) 50-year survivor of Type 1 diabetes. She graduated from Beech Grove High School in 1978, where she enjoyed being a Beechette, entertaining her peers, and meeting the love of her life, Kenny. Donna spent her early career days working as a paralegal, and retired early from Eli Lilly after 18 years in various capacities.
Donna, our Sunshine, always had a smile on her face and brought joy and laughter to everyone she met. She was preceded in death by her parents Joseph A. Mastalerz Jr. and Evelyn C. Mastalerz, and her brother Joseph E. Mastalerz. Donna is survived by her devoted husband of 38 years, Paul Kenneth Fox, her children, Matthew Fox (Helina) and Amanda Shotts (Bryan), grandchildren Victoria and Jensen Shotts and Hunter and soon to be born, Emmett Fox, her siblings, Mary Anna Elias, Judith Guilliam, Susan Jackson, Linda Bell (Dave), Paul Masters (Sherri), and Eddie Mastalerz (Lesley), and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Donna was a member of Mount Pleasant Christian Church and the Indianapolis Southside Day Women’s Bible Study Fellowship. She never met a stranger and had a quirky sense of humor that will live on in her grandchildren. Her laugh was infectious. Donna enjoyed traveling with her family, reading and participating in book club, studying the Bible, boating, cooking, hosting gatherings, serving others, sewing, spending time with Kenny at their farm in Spencer, and her most favorite – Gigi days with the grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the incredible doctors and staff at IU Health and IU Simon Cancer Center for the excellent care they have provided over the years. Donna never let her health conditions define her, and she overcame a great deal in her 58 years here on Earth. Donna’s incredible strength and faith were an inspiration to many.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30AM Monday, April 23rd at Mount Pleasant Christian Church, 381 North Bluff Road. Visitation with family will begin at 10:30AM.
In lieu of flowers, Donna requested that memorial contributions be made to the Indiana Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) or Mount Pleasant Christian Church.
Amber Fox'Cannon says
I was devastated hearing Donna passed away. She was one of the happiest, most post positive people I’ve ever met. I’m so sorry for your families loss.
Carol Elias says
Prayers for Donna and the entire family. What a blessing to have known her and being able to spend some time with her these past years She loved people!! Always smiling, always the optimist, loving everyone who came her way. She fought a long time but she doesn’t have to fight anymore. God will take great care of her!! Love her and her family.
Amy Burgher says
Donna was a wonderful lady and will be forever missed, but will live on in the hearts of us fortunate enough to have known her. Rest in peace, Donna. You fought the hardest battle, and you have it Hell. In the end, you won, because you are with the one who loves you the most. I’m sure you were welcomed with open arms.
Jan leksich says
So sad for your loss as she fought so hard to beat that ugly disease. Sending prayers to you and your family to get through this sad time. Jan leksich south haven, mi
Linda Bell says
Donna has surrounded my life for over 58 years. I miss her effervescence more than words can say. She convinced me we meet again, so I must find a way to carry on. Until we meet again, my sunshine.
pamela kiser says
Donna was the funniest person ever I remember her from middle school and high school she was always so funny I never saw her without a smile on her face I haven’t seen her in years but remember her smile…Fly high with the angels …..
Leeann says
Our friend in book club is a survivor of Cancer. She said I barely knew her but felt such a kinship and acceptance. In the short time I knew her she changed my life. Imagine what Donna did for those of us who knew her for one more minute. One more hour. Or one more day. Or for 50 years as I did.
Judie King says
It was such a blessing to know Donna. She was the epitome of love; for God, her family, friends, life, and her fellow man. The thrill of her precious grandchildren made her glow when she saw them or spoke of them.
Donna will be missed by all who knew her.
Love and prayers,
Judie and Lee King
Gerald and Sookie Baier says
I am so sorry for your loss. May God bless you.
Jerry and Sookie Baier, Bellevue (Omaha) Nebraska. Ken Fox is my Cousin.
Paul Masters says
Donna (my dear sister) will always reign in my heart. Truth be known she saved my life.
We are all but a flash in the pan yet the way Donna lived creates more of a glow for generations thereafter. Love you sis, you’ve always been such the optimistic, great-humored, incredible sun-shining blessing to all of those around you.
Brother Paul
Todd Morris says
Donna is a wonderful soul, who lived out goodness and her faith. My family was blessed to know her and be a part of her family. Our love and deepest sympathy to Kenny, Amanda, Matt, and the entire Fox & Mastalerz family. We love you all and are thinking of you today.
Love,
The Morris Family (Todd, Kristen, Lucy, Tatum, Charlotte)
Cary & Cheryl Masters says
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. I fondly remember summers growing up on the hill in Saugatuck when Uncle Joe Aunt Evelyn and all the kids would come up to visit. We all had a lot of fun swimming, fishing and climbing Mt. Baldy together . May you always cherish the memories and celebrate the life of Donna.
God Bless,
Cary & Cheryl Masters