On August 24, 2023, Donna June Lareau passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. She was 87 years old, born March 17, 1936 in Grand Rapids. Donna was a proud Lithuanian who we affectionately called the “Lithuanian Princess”.
Donna’s talents were many, any artistic endeavor she attempted, she succeeded. From acrylic painting to water color to painting on clothing for her grandchildren Donna did it all. She was a vendor at many IHM craft shows over the years and loved to share her talents with others. Intricate beadwork was her most recent passion creating the most beautiful jewelry. She was truly an amazing artist.
Making memories with her family was the most important thing to her. According to Donna, memories are the greatest treasure. We are grateful for the many wonderful memories we created with her.
Donna also loved Lake Michigan summers at Port Sheldon/Mountain Beach. She spent much of her childhood there and later in life owned her own cottage. Many wonderful memories were made with family and dear friends in the cottage community.
Donna is survived by her children, Mary Smith (Don), Michael Lareau (Sue), James Lareau, Lucie Lareau and Nancy Meuret (Leslie); grandchildren, Frances Bump (Paul), Fred Weber (Shanon), Emily McBain (Ian), Grant McAdams, Paul McAdams (Laura), Nathan Lareau (Danielle), Jennie Ford (Nathan), Aaron Lareau (Linda), Daniel Lareau, Andrew Lareau (Patricia), Karrie Roy (Rob), Christopher Meuret, Nikola Wick (Eric), Leslie Meuret; 14 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by her husband, Michael O. Lareau; and son, Robert Lareau
Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11am on Monday, August 28, 2023 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 2750 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, with visitation one hour prior. Rev. Jake Zemaitis presiding. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made in Donna’s memory to the church.
14 Responses
Jim, Dan and extended family. My prayers and thoughts at
the loss of your Mother and Grandmother. Please keep safe all the memories.
Ahhhh family. Kids really enjoyed Donna like a grandma at mountain beach. Thanks for sharing her.
We are so very sorry for the loss of your mother and will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Dean and Gail Reiss
To our Lareau cousins,
We are so sorry to hear this news. Several years ago, I was fortunate to spend a wonderful afternoon with your mom and dad. Aunt Donna made a bracelet for me during our visit! I always admired Aunt Donna’s unshakable fortitude and joyful spirit. Sending prayers to the family for peace and healing.
Monica Lareau and Paul LaRue
Our deepest sympathies to all the Lareau family for the loss of your mother.
May she R.I.P.
Mary and family, So sorry to hear of her passing. Glad you were able to be close and create so many lasting memories with her.
I know she treasures you and you treasured her.
Prayers and hugs. Michele Ramsdell
Mary and Mike- sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. Praying that you will find comfort and peace in your treasured memories. Sending hugs and prayers. Kathy Kransberger
Great Grandma always let us pick jewelry and embraced everyone with smiles. We love her so so much. – Maeve
Great Grandma was one of the most happy, caring, creative and loved woman I knew. Even in her last years she would look out for me and Maeve, and driving us to Barnes And Nobles. She was always creating art, such as paintings and jewelry. I always love to wear her handmade earrings to special occasions, little pops of color that bring joy, just like her.People would always comment on how beautiful they are, and I was always so proud that I could say that my great grandma made it. I hope wherever she is now, that she is happy and knows we will always love her. – Kayde
Great Grandma always let us pick jewelry and embraced everyone with smiles. We love her so so much. – Maeve
Great Grandma was one of the most happy, caring, creative and loved woman I knew. Even in her last years she would look out for me and Maeve, and driving us to Barnes And Nobles. She was always creating art, such as paintings and jewelry. I always love to wear her handmade earrings to special occasions, little pops of color that bring joy, just like her.People would always comment on how beautiful they are, and I was always so proud that I could say that my great grandma made it. I hope wherever she is now, that she is happy and knows we will always love her. – Kayde
Sending hugs & kisses to you all! So sorry to hear about your Mom’s passing! She was a wonderful woman and I’ll always have fond memories of her! 🩷⭕️❌
Mike, Sue, and Family,
We are sad for you to learn of Donna’s passing. We know your hearts will be strengthened by the many memories of her long life & the caring support of many—much love ❤️
May Aunt Junie dwell in compassionate love. May her final surrender provide peace to her soul. She babysat me when I was younger & guideded me in that phase of my life to do what was right.
I grew up across the street from
Donna June on Fruitwood. She was so kind and thoughtful. Especially to her
Dear mom, Emily. She inherited her mother’s artistic qualities. So sorry for your loss but know she lives on in all of you.
So sorry to hear of my Mount Mercy Academy classmate (1953) passing on. We communicated on FACEBOOK These past 5 years after so many years of having lost connection. May she rest in eternal peace. I will miss her and photos of her and family. She was so intelligent and gifted in all her endeavors. God bless her and the family. 🙏🏻