Dona B. O'Gara

Dona B. O'Gara of Sioux City passed away Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015.
A Mass will be held at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at St. Michael Catholic Church, St. Anthony Chapel, in Sioux City. Arrangements are under the direction of Larkin Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home.
She was born to the late Oliver E. Shearer and Lucille G. (McCormick) Shearer.
Dona spent most of her life in the Siouxland area. She attended Central High School. Much later in life, she accomplished a longtime goal of graduating from Wayne State College, where she was awarded a baccalaureate degree in English. She spent several years in Japan teaching English in a Berlitz Language School.
Dona was passionate about learning and loved reading. She lived for a time in Texas and loved walking on the beach collecting sea glass and shells. The sound of the sea and surf was music to her ears. She enjoyed all of nature, it's trees, birds and flowers. Another passion was playing card games. She was always up for any kind of cards but particularly loved Shanghi and enjoyed the friendly competition.
Dona is survived by her son, Tommy (Nobuko) O'Gara of Tokyo Japan, and John O'Gara of Marble-Falls, Texas; three granddaughters; two grandsons; a great-grandson; and two sisters, Dolores Sachau of Sioux City, and Maryellen (Irby) Shipp of Charleston, S.C. She also leaves behind numerous loving nieces, nephews and friends.
The family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her during her last few months. Donations in her honor may be made to Hospice of Siouxland.