It is with deep love and gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of Donna June Sawyer, a devoted wife, loving mother and cherished grandmother. She passed away peacefully at home on June 26 at the age of 90, surrounded by the love of her family, physically and in spirit. We are grateful to know she’s in heaven, living fully in God’s glory.
Born on June 2, 1936, in Lansing, Michigan, to Magdalena and Robert DeJongh, she grew up on Sunset Avenue and developed the values of kindness, care and Christian faith that would guide her throughout her life.
Donna married her high school sweetheart, Arlen, on January 28, 1955. Together they built a beautiful life centered on family and filled with laughter and delight. Their marriage of over 70 years was a testament to love, partnership and a lifelong competition of playing cards and Boggle at lunchtime. What a gift to have loved (and liked) the same person for longer than many lifetimes!
Donna lovingly nurtured and supported her children and was always ready with a favorite meal, household help or a phone call to just catch up. She took immense pride in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, babysitting them often and hosting many sleepovers.
Donna – or Dutch as she was known to close friends – was known for her warm smile, gentle spirit and ability to make everyone feel cared for and loved – she always remembered your favorite things and cleaning for you was her love language. She enjoyed making handmade crafts, playing games and church involvement, especially at River Terrace CRC in East Lansing where her parents were founding members and at Thornapple Community Church in Grand Rapids where she and Arlen attended for the last 9 years after making the move into the “garden level” apartment of Michelle’s house.
She leaves behind her devoted husband and favorite person, Arlen; her children, Mike (Joan) Sawyer, Marty (Lynn) Sawyer and Michelle (Simon) Bennett; her grandchildren, Quinn, Laura (Chris), Andrew, Mitchell (Bethany), Liam and Jack; her great-grandchildren, Jacob, Jade, Max, Ethan and Hudson; her sisters-in-law, Inez and Sharon; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents and big brothers, Jerry and Chet.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 16 from 1-2pm at Thornapple Community Church (3260 Thornapple River Dr., Grand Rapids) immediately followed by a memorial service at 2pm officiated by Rev. Kent Frens.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Donna’s honor to Faith Hospice in Byron Center, Michigan (faithhospicecare.org).
Though she will be deeply missed, Donna’s legacy of love, faith, kindness and dedication to family will continue to live on in all who knew and loved her.
2 Responses
My memories of Donna, Arlen, Mike & Marty go back to when we were neighbors on Boettcher CT They were my favorite family to babysit for.
Such wonderful memories!
Nancy (Boettcher) Norton
What a wonderful life to have lived. Praying for all Donna’s family and friends in during this time.