Mary Louise Donkersgoed

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Donkersgoed, Mary Louise 93, of Naples , FL and formerly of Bloomington , MN passed away on October 18, 2019. Mary Louise was born in Minneapolis, MN on January 1, 1926 to Charles E. and Ella Marie Wilson of Bloomington and grew up at the Masonic Home where her parents were superintendents. She graduated from Winona State University and received her Masters in Education from Mankato State University. An active member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society for 50 years. She had an exemplary 34 years career in the Bloomington Schools and was a pioneer as one of the early female principals. She was ahead of her time advocating for the inclusion of special needs students in the regular education classroom. Retiring in 1981 and moving to Naples, she continued an active life by substitute teaching, playing tennis, volunteering many hours at NCH, as a member of Ladies of the Elks, and travel. Children were always a focus in her life, and she supported any program that was in their best interest. She was an accomplished equestrian and had many beloved pets throughout her life. Many of her favorite days were spent enjoying Nature at her lake home "up north" in MN in the middle of the Chippewa National Forest. In summary, Mary Louise had a big and open heart and lived life to the fullest as school principal, world traveler, pen pal, volunteer and social diva. She is greatly missed by her loving daughters and extended family, friends, community, as well as all the students and staff whose lives she touched. Mary Louise was preceded in death by her husbands, George Durkot Jr. and Robert Donkersgoed; brothers, Lloyd and Art Wilson and great grandson, Cameron Selwold. She is survived by her daughters, Dee K. (Fred) and Gretchen L. (Thomas) Durkot; stepchildren, Robert (Sue), William, Cheryl (Dave), Susan; 3 grandchildren; 11 step grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. A Funeral Mass will be held on November 26, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. at St. Ann Catholic Church in Naples, FL followed by a Celebration of Life reception at the Crown Pointe Club House located at 2424 Piccadilly Circus, Naples, FL. Condolences: FullerNaples.com.

Published on November 19, 2019