Donna Hughes, age 89, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at St. Anne Retirement Communities in the St. Joseph Hospice. Born on August 9, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Fred and Marie (Stairheim) Borcherding. Donna graduated from Central High School. She worked for Kroger in Fort Wayne from 1981 until 1991. She also worked for Kohl’s department store for 20 years, until retiring in 2023.

When not working, Donna enjoyed reading, but was not known for her ability to sit still. She kept very busy with yard work, shopping, cooking for her family, and riding bikes with her 7 grandchildren. Donna was devoted to her family and loved spending time and creating memories with all her grandchildren.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Michael (Kelly) Hughes; grandchildren, Ella (T.J.) Tippmann, Grace (Devon) Tippmann, Dominic, Cecelia, Jake, Penelope, and Gabriel Hughes; sisters, Patricia Ballinger, Sharon Fawley, and Marilyn (Gerald) Mungovan; and numerous nieces and nephews. Donna was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Jim Borcherding; and sister, Dorothy Bumgardner.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2026, at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 4916 Trier Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46815 with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 concluding with a Rosary recited at 8:00 p.m. Memorials can be written to Parkview Hospice or to St. Anne Retirement Communities in Donna’s name. Fond memories and condolences can be shared at www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com for the family.