Donna Noordhoek

As beloved family and friends will certainly agree, Donna Noordhoek truly understood the secret to a life well lived, making the most of every moment. Nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her loved ones, and she was a shining example of kindness and compassion for all. A beautiful woman from the inside out, Donna spoke often and boldly of her faith and dedicated herself to following after the Lord she loved. She was known for her unwavering determination, and she faced every challenge that came her way with her head held high. Already so deeply missed, Donna and her memory will be forever cherished.

The 1920s were certainly some of the most exciting years to be living in America. Throughout the influential decade known as the “Roaring 20s,” the country witnessed a flourishing economy and a historical rise in social change. Pop culture was booming as well, with motion pictures becoming widely available in color and sound and ballroom dancing and jazz music becoming wildly popular as well. It was during this time that Edward and Helen (Crowley) Hendricks of Ottawa County, Michigan, were happy to announce the arrival of their firstborn daughter. Born at home on the family farm, Donna Marie made her entrance into the world on November 6, 1926.

Growing up, Donna was a typical girl of her generation in many ways. She was raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, alongside her two younger brothers, Jerry and Tom. Donna’s father, Edward, worked for GM and American Seating while her mother, Helen, balanced her job at Herpolsheimer’s Department Store with her role as a homemaker. The Hendricks family were members of St. James Catholic Church, where Donna built the foundation of her faith. Throughout her childhood, she attended local schools, including Star Elementary School and Union High School. Following her graduation from Union in 1945, Donna moved out of her family home in search of independence. She shared a place with two of her girlfriends and supported herself working as a dental assistant, eager to see what the future held.

Of all the things that Donna loved in life, there was nothing that was more important than her family. In November of 1946, she married Willard Baas. The two settled down in a home on Fay NW and began growing their family. Donna was thrilled to become a mother to her two children, Robert and Lauri. Her kids were her pride and joy. The family enjoyed spending time at various beaches around Michigan, such as Grand Haven and Silver Lake, and the cottage that belonged to Donna’s brother was the backdrop for countless memories. Though Donna’s marriage to Willard would eventually end in divorce, she was always grateful for the many blessings she found in being a mother to Robert and Lauri.

It was while working at RC Allen that Donna was able to meet the man she would eventually be happy to call the love of her life. His name was William Noordhoek, and he was working as a service man at the time. Donna and Bill took their time getting to know each other, falling deeply in love over their ten years of dating. They were united in marriage at the Justice of the Peace in 1978 and went on to spend many wonderful years as husband and wife.

Later in life, Donna was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother as well. She loved having her grandkids over to spend the night whenever she could, and she never missed an event, activity, or special occasion. Donna was always fun and energetic. She often took the time to write letters to her loved ones, and all who knew Donna knew just how great an honor it was to receive one of her letters. She always made sure her friends and family members knew that she was praying for them. As a longtime member of St. James Catholic Church, Donna leaned on her faith in good times and bad.

Never one to sit still for long, Donna pursued many hobbies to keep herself busy. She lived for dressing up and entertaining her friends and family. Donna was an avid reader of everything from mysteries to romance and would make weekly trips to the library. She had a green thumb and took excellent care of the flowers and vegetables she grew in her garden. One of Donna’s greatest passions was traveling. Over the years, she visited many locations around the state and country, including Traverse City, Townline Lake near Big Rapids, Northern Michigan, Chicago, Florida, Alabama, San Francisco, and Arizona. Her heart for animals led her to visit the local Humane Society often, loving on the animals there. Donna enjoyed spending time in the great outdoors and soaking in the beautiful nature around her.

When reflecting on the overflowing life of Donna Noordhoek, it is easy to see both her unyielding resilience and her unconditional love for her family. She was an old soul who valued quality time above all else, and she was always willing to go above and beyond to serve those others. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Donna considered herself truly blessed to be able to hold so many loved ones close. Her insatiable zest for life could be felt by all those around her. Though she will be dearly missed, Donna leaves behind a priceless legacy that her family and friends will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Donna Marie Noordhoek, age 98, passed away August 1, 2025 with her loving family by her side. Donna was born November 6, 1926 in Ottawa County, to the late Edward and Helen (Crowley) Hendricks. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Willard Baas; second husband, William Noordhoek; son, Robert Grady Baas; son-in-law, Philip Cooper; and special family friend, Carlos Vasquez. Donna is survived by her daughter, Lauri Cooper; grandchildren, Michael (Emily) Cooper of Macomb, MI, and M. Alison (Joe Sikora) Cooper of Chicago, IL; great grandchildren, Addison, Samuel, Austin and Rexford. She is also survived by her brothers, Jerry (Betty) Hendricks, and Tom (Sally) Hendricks; and several nieces and nephews. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated, Monday, August 18, 2025, at 11 AM at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 2510 Richmond Ave. NW where friends can visit with family beginning at 10 AM. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park.