Donna Rae Breeding

Donna R. Breeding, a deeply loved mother and grandmother and a devoted public servant to the City of Lincoln Park, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the age of 78. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Lois Graham; her sister, Deborah Graham; and her brother-in-law, Gary Heim.

Donna is survived by her sister, Marcia Heim; her son, David Breeding (Bev); her daughter, Deneen Miller (Robert); and her grandchildren, Brandon Breeding (Rykki), Lauryn Beemer (Kara), and Austin Breeding. She is also survived by her nephews, Steve Heim (Stacee) and Jeff Heim (Kim); her great-nieces and great-nephews, Sam, Sophia, Abby, Christopher, Solomon, Jasper Ann, and Evie; and her great-grandson, Levi. Family meant everything to Donna, and she treasured the time she spent with those she loved. She was a steadfast and loving presence in their lives, always ready to stand beside her family and close friends with her whole heart.

Donna was born in Detroit in 1948 and moved with her family to Lincoln Park in 1951, the community that would become such an important part of her life. After graduating from Lincoln Park High School in 1966, she began her career with the City of Lincoln Park in 1972 as a meter maid with the Police Department. In 1981, she joined the City Clerk’s Office as a clerk typist and was promoted to Deputy City Clerk the following year. She served continuously in that role until 1993, when retiring City Clerk Irene Bartal appointed Donna as City Clerk. Donna won her first election to the office later that year and proudly served as City Clerk for the next 25 years. Even after retiring in 2018, her commitment to Lincoln Park continued: she ran for City Council and served as City Council President from 2018 to 2021. When her health began to decline, Donna stepped away from city government and devoted more of her time to the family and friends she cherished most. She was deeply proud of the life she built, the people she loved, and her many years of service to the community she called home.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Solosy Funeral Home in Lincoln Park. A celebration of Donna’s life will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to The National Kidney Foundation.

Those who knew Donna will remember the wholehearted way she loved, the loyalty she showed to family and friends, and the lasting difference she made through her decades of service to the Lincoln Park community. Donna’s strength, devotion, and generous spirit will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered.