To say our hearts are heavy is an understatement, but grief is neither a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith... it is the price of love. I don’t think there are many people in this world that were loved as much as Donna Marie Welch (Thomas). Our family gained a guardian angel on October 20, 2018 as we came together to celebrate and remember her 79 years of life and the impact she had on ours! Donna resided in Massillon, Ohio for the majority of her years, beginning her life with her parents Pearl and Hezzy, sister Jean, and brother Gerald, graduating from Washington High School in 1957, and then creating a family of her own with her husband Jerry Welch Jr. of 61 years and her four children. She is survived by her husband Jerry, her children Jeff(Debra) Welch, Randy(Cindy) Welch, Mark(Michele) Welch, and Melissa(Dennis) Young, her grandchildren Tyler Welch, Erin(Todd) Mejac, Nathan(Erin) Welch, Corey(Kristin) Heit, Kyle(Ursula) Welch, Matt(Tara) Welch, Jessica Young, and Josh Young, her great grandchildren Blake and Jade Mejac and Lily Welch, and many cherished nieces, nephews, family members, friends, and students. Donna was a beloved, lifetime member of St. Mary’s Parish Massillon, Ohio. She worked at Welch’s family bakery and then continued her education by going back to school for teaching. She worked at Tuslaw Intermediate School where she shared her love and wisdom with endless amounts of students and staff that became just like family to her. In her spare time, she loved spending time with her family, watching sports (especially Notre Dame), bowling, playing bingo, slot machines and horse races, and keeping her mind sharp with crossword puzzles and playing cards. Donna had the biggest heart and always put others first. She was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a friend, a teacher, an inspiration, and a blessing to anyone who had the opportunity to know her. No words can express how much she will be missed or how much she is loved. The family would like to extend their gratitude to Crossroads Hospice who made Donna’s care, comfort, and transition a priority with constant love and support. If you would like to celebrate and honor Donna’s life, calling hours will be at Paquelet Funeral Home on Thursday, October 25 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be held at 11 am on Friday, October 26, 2018 in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Friday, October 26th at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Gretchko officiating. Paquelet Funeral Home 330-833-3222 www.paquelet.com