Donna Colleen Westbrook

Donna Colleen (Pulley) Westbrook, more commonly known as Mom and Grandma, age 58, was welcomed into heaven on February 28, 2019, where she has been reunited with her parents, Maxine & Herman Pulley, sister Sharon Deming, Father in law Max Crawford and she will be there to take care of baby Strong. Born on August 7, 1960 in Hammond, In., she was the 5th child in what would be a family of 8. Donna met her future husband, Wayne Westbrook at the young age of 11 years old. They grew up in a small town together andformed an unbreakable bond that would last a lifetime. They had their first child Carrie, on October 18, 1977. They got married on June 7, 1980, stayed together for 38yrs and 9 months. She went on to have 2 more girls, Carolyn born October 8, 1981, and Cathy born October 20, 1984. Donna spent her life working hard to be the best mom, wife, daughter, sister, aunt and grandma she could be. Her only care in the world was to provide a good life for her family and take care of them the best she could. Everything she did, she did withlove, compassion and wellbeing of her children and her husband. She gave without any expectation of getting anything in return. She never gave up, and she never let anyone down, even if that meant being a little stubborn from time to time. She gave the best of herself to everyone she considered a friend. She welcomed you into her family, but she let you know without apology, that you better not hurt anyone in it. She had a kind heart, and a gentle soul. A person's life is best measured by the lives of those they've touched. I can confidently say that; her life is immeasurable. Those who knew her, knew she was truly one of a kind. She never compromised who she was, and she never backed down when she was right. Mom stood up for what she believed in, especially when it came to family. Her family was the world to her, and she let everyone know, you don't hurt anyone in it. We all know, you don't mess around, or mom is going to have to step in. There will be hell to pay. Mom will live on in our hearts until we too, are welcomed in to heaven. Until then, we will carry with us, her loving memory, and the lessons that she taught us. She taught us all so many things in life. She taught us how to love unconditionally. Mom's love for her husband, her daughters, her grandchildren and the rest of her family shown bright for all to see. She always made sure everyone was taken care of, even at the expense of taking care of herself. She taught us strength. She was the glue that held the family together. She was there for everyone, every time. Late night texting. Simple and complicated motherly advice. How to cook & bake. How many cups were in a quart, or even a phone call to come pick you up in the middle of the night because you needed her. She taught us how to stand up for ourselves and protect the ones we love. She taught us how to be a mother, no matter how old your children get. Reliable Monday dinners, and sometimes Tuesday too. Grown up Birthday parties. And desert is a must, Bundt cakes, Tiramisu, popsicles! The grandkids knew, there was always something yummy waiting for them at Grandma's house. They say there is nothing stronger than a mother's love, but I would disagree, because there is something even stronger, aGrandma's love. When asking her grandchildren, what do you think of when you think of Grandma, they reply: "loving, caring, and reliable". They will never forget Grandma's good mood, her kindness, or how she cared about her family. They will miss all the special birthday cakes, made with the love that only Grandma can bake with. They will miss the endless supply of Christmas cookies and Christmas fudge on Christmas. They will miss the late-night swimming, when they were supposed tobe in bed, because Grandma said it was ok to stay up late. They will always remember Grandma's hugs. There are no words to describe how missed Mom will be, but we will always honor her memory by staying strong for each other and loving each other as unconditionally as mom loved all of us. Donna will be remembered dearly by her surviving family: Husband Wayne Westbrook, Carrie & Son in law Mike Mezo, only grandson Nicholas Mezo (Niko Baby), Carolyn Westbrook& Son in law Dale Sifuentes, Cathy & Son in Law Nate Strong, oldest granddaughter Alana Poole (Lana Lou), middle granddaughter Allison Poole (Ally Oops) youngest granddaughter Alexie Strong (Lexi Lou), and her only dog who she loved so very much, Shelly. She will also be remembered dearly by her surviving familyalong with their families. Sharon(deceased)(Donald) Deming; Tom (Sue) Pulley; Judy (Jack) Hankla; James (Kathy) Pulley; David Pulley; Diane (Jim) Street; Robert (Kathy) Pulley; Robby(Tracie) Crawford; Jeff Crawford & Mother in Law Andrea (Warren) Sabo. Donna was also survived by many nieces,nephews, aunts and uncles who will all truly miss her love and support she had for them. Although she has left us here on Earth, she will continue to live on in our memories. Mom will always be a part of us and will always be with us. She will be in the smell of fresh baked cookies, and in the flame of all the birthday candles to come. She will be in the first swim of summer time, and the popsicles that help us feel better when we are sick. She will be in the most beautiful sunrises that happen on the days we need them most, and the squirrels that sit in the tree and watch us in the kitchen for what seems like an eternity. She will be in the words that we say and think "Wow I sound just like mom" and she will be the guiding voice that tells us, that we are doing the right thing. And she will never stop taking care of us, because, now she will be our Guardian Angel, and she will continue to watch over us from heaven.

Donna Colleen Westbrook

August 7, 1960 - February 28, 2019