Francisca "Frances" Herrera Donn

Francisca "Frances" Herrera Donn, also known as "Chitin", was a remarkable woman who left an indelible mark on the hearts of her family and friends. Born in Hatillo, Puerto Rico on February 21, 1927, to her father Federico Herrera and mother Maria Siverio, she lived a life rich with family and experiences, resulting in five children, twelve grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and two great, great grandchildren.

Frances's journey began with her education - she graduated from high school and attended college. Her path led her to work at Ramey Air Force Base in Puerto Rico, where she crossed paths with T/SGT Alvin Donn from Levant, Kansas after World War II. Alvin had been shot down on a bombing mission over Germany and was a Prisoner of War for more than one year before the war ended. Their meeting blossomed into love and they exchanged vows on January 14, 1947. Together, they embarked on a life filled with adventure, raising five children, and moving across various Air Force bases in Puerto Rico, California, Texas, Georgia, Colorado, Idaho, and South Dakota. Their final destination was Hialeah, Florida, where they settled after Alvin's retirement from the United States Air Force in 1963. Frances was not only a devoted wife and mother, but also a hardworking individual. She held a variety of jobs in various offices and restaurants, demonstrating her abilities and dedication. Remarkably, her last job was as an office receptionist at the age of 90.

Her family was the cornerstone of her existence. Frances's caring and sincere nature extended to all her loved ones. She made it a point to reach out on birthdays and on other significant milestones, ensuring that everyone felt cherished. At family gatherings, she naturally became the center of attention, her vibrant presence captivating those around her. Frances had a strong Catholic faith, which she passed down through her family and prayed the Rosary every night before bed. One of Frances's greatest joys was also playing the Lotto. She was an avid player of the Powerball and Mega Millions and her birthday's were always filled with gifts of stacks of scratch-off's.

Frances's legacy is intertwined with that of her late husband, Alvin LaVern, with whom she shared 53 years of marriage. Their enduring bond weathered life's storms until Alvin's passing in December 2000. Additionally, she mourned the loss of her grandsons, Michael Jr. and Jason Donn.

Frances Herrera Donn's memory lives on, a testament to a life well-lived and a heart that touched many. She will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived and remembered by her five children Michael "Mickey" and wife Christie, Gary and wife Cathy, David "Porgy", Kenneth and wife Pary, and Jacqueline "Jackie" and husband Dennis McGuire, Sr.; her grandchildren Tiffany and Scott Bensley, Dennis Jr. and Caroline McGuire, Corey and Michaela McGuire, Trace McGuire, Amy Pomerant, Dustin and Danielle Donn; her great grandchildren, Austin and Taylor Donn, Tomas Rodriguez, Denley, Laine, and Finn McGuire, Isla and Molly McGuire; and her great, great grandchildren, Waverly Francisca and Weston John White.

Visitation will be held from 6-9 PM on Friday, February 23rd at Forest Hills Chapel in Palm City. Mass will be held at 10 AM, Saturday, February 24th at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Stuart, FL. A Catholic burial and graveside service will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery.

Please feel free to share a remembrance or message of condolence with the family through this online guestbook.