Donna Marie Bridges

September 8, 1940 - October 23, 2020

It is with great sadness the family of Donna M. (Renaud) Bridges announces her passing to eternal life on Friday, October 23, 2020, at Evergreen Living Center in St. Ignace. One of eight children, Donna was born on September 8, 1940 in St. Ignace township, Michigan to Dennis and Ellen (Derusha) Renaud. Donna was raised in Ecorse where she graduated from St. Francis Xavier in 1958. On February 9, 1963 Donna married Charles (Chuck) E. Bridges at St. Francis Xavier in Ecorse. Donna and Chuck made their life in Allen Park, raising a loving daughter and son: Renae and Charles (Chucky) E. Bridges II. Donna devoted her life to her children and grandchildren; she also loved spending time with siblings and her large extended family. Always adventurous, Donna spent many summers towing the family pop-up to Indian River, St. Ignace, and other places to camp and enjoy the outdoors. Although Donna loved being outdoors she also loved shopping, especially at Jacobson’s department store. Donna had a lifelong passion for antiques; so much so she and Chuck moved to Indian River in 1988 and opened their own store, Bearly Used Antiques. Donna was an antiques expert with an incredible knowledge of collectibles, especially glassware. Inventory was plentiful and the store was highly regarded by seasoned antique shoppers. Donna was a woman of strong faith--beloved by many for her sweet nature. She loved tending to her flowers and plants, playing Bingo, trying her luck at the local casino, and lunching every week with her girlfriends—known around town as the “Thirsty Thursday” group. Donna was a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and a parishioner at Cross in the Woods Catholic Shrine in Indian River. After her husband Chuck passed in 2011, Donna sold the antiques store and kept busy spending even more time with her children and grandchildren. Donna also enjoyed the companionship of close friends and her faithful golden retriever, Star. Donna is survived by children Renae (Jim) Theeck of Hartland; Chuck (Katie) Bridges II of Allen Park; grandchildren Jim Theeck, Josh Theeck, Charlie Bridges III (Chauntel Ouellette) & Chelsea Bridges; great-grandchildren Christine & Ethan; siblings Larry (Ro), Diane, Joann (Joe), Richard, Dale (Pam) and sister-in-law Donna; plus many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Dennis & Ellen, husband Chuck, sister Yvonne, brother Dennis, and sister-in-law Patty. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Memorial gifts may be made to Evergreen Living Center (1140 N. State St., St. Ignace, MI 49781) or the Indian River Women’s Club (P.O. Box 41, Indian River, MI 49749). R. Galer Funeral Home in Pickford, Michigan is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rgalerfuneralhome.com.