Donna Farr

A kindhearted and compassionate woman, Donna Farr touched the lives of so many around her in such a special way. She was a devoted wife and mother, yet she just may have argued that being a grandmother was the role of a lifetime. With a diverse palette of interests, Donna lived life to the fullest for as long as she was able, never taking even one moment for granted. There was no greater gift in her life than her family, and there was nothing that brought her more joy than being surrounded by her loved ones. The treasured collection of memories she shared with her family and friends will remain a lasting gift in their hearts for generations to come.

During the early forties the eyes of our nation were focused overseas where countless young servicemen were deeply entrenched in the throes of WWII. Those who remained stateside became accustomed to rationing on common goods such as flour, sugar, coffee, and paper while victory gardens were planted to lessen the demands on the nation’s food supply. It was within this difficult period in our nation’s history that a young family from Alpine Township, Michigan, was eagerly awaiting the birth of a new baby as the calendar ushered in 1944. Their wait was over on February 29th when baby Donna Jean drew her first breath. She was the second of four children born to her parents, Richard and Ethelyn (Alberts) Brechting, and she was raised on the family farm where her father worked tirelessly to provide for his family. Donna’s mother was a busy homemaker who cared not only for Donna, but also her sisters, Elaine and Patsy, and her brother, Richard. As is so often the case, the Brechting children were responsible for helping out on the farm during their formative years as well. Tragedy struck in their family with the death of Donna’s father in 1958.

For the most part Donna’s years as a young girl were fairly typical for the youth of her generation. She attended schools locally including Holy Trinity Elementary from the first through the eighth grades, Comstock Park High for her ninth and tenth grade years, and she went on to graduate from Kenowa Hills High in 1962. Although school was never really Donna’s thing, she did what she needed to get by, despite skipping school from time to time. On one such occasion her brother spotted her out and about with her cousin, Kathleen!

Life was forever changed for Donna when a situation that could have been a tragic one introduced her to the man with whom she would share the best years of her life. His name was Fred Farr, and they met as passengers in a car filled with young people that went off the road. Luckily Donna wasn’t hurt and the driver, a young man named John, sent her flowers to apologize. Despite the kind gesture, it was Fred who stole her heart that day. After dating for a time the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to build a life together Donna and Fred were married on June 5, 1965, at St. James Catholic Church.

After enjoying a honeymoon at Yellowstone National Park the newlyweds settled into their new roles with ease. They lived on Donna’s mother’s farm for a time, but on Christmas Eve in 1967 they purchased their first and only home at 6201 Vinton, NW. They were delighted to welcome their daughter, Melissa, into their hearts and home on May 9, 1968. Donna loved caring for her husband and daughter and felt especially at home in the kitchen. Everything she made was fantastic, and her apple pie was among her most famous dishes. Education was something Donna always stressed with her daughter, and she saw to it that Melissa graduated.

In addition to caring for her family, Donna busied herself with other things, too. Her care-taking spirit and nurturing touch reached so many around her. For a time Donna helped her mother care for adult patients in her mother's home, and a bit later she worked as a nurse’s aid at Grandview Nursing Home on Alpine Avenue. After the nursing home closed she went to work stacking and sorting books for McGraw-Hill Publishing until back problems prohibited her from working any longer. Donna looked forward to her nights out as part of the “Wednesday Night Divas.” These nights were spent with her sisters when they usually went out for dinner and drinks. Donna also enjoyed trips to the casinos, nights out on the town with her best friend, Del, often to the Bow Tie Tavern or Wright Tavern for a frost Bud Light and playing dice or card games, too. She had a knack for floral arranging and was an avid Tigers fan who loved watching the games with family. Donna especially liked getting to some of their games in person with her niece, Kim, and her family. She and Fred did some traveling, at first in a tent and later in a trailer they purchased from a neighbor. Together they saw many places with Tennessee being among their favorites. Donna’s spirit of generosity also extended to her brother, Richard, and her mother who both lived with her for many years.

Daily life was not without some health struggles for Donna. She had ongoing problems with her back to deal with and underwent back surgery on three separate occasions in the mid-nineties. In 2000, Donna and Fred were in a car accident on Alpine Avenue that left her with a broken sternum. From that point on Donna became a bit more quiet and reserved, and she spent most of her time at home. She always looked forward to spending time with her grandchildren, swimming in the pool, and cooking out. Donna rarely missed watching Days of our Lives every day and always had a sweet tooth for melt away candy, Mentos, and Snickers candy bar. And very rarely did you find Donna without a Diet Coke in her hand.

Through the life she lived each day, Donna Farr taught us so much about what it means to truly live while deeply loving those around us. She cherished taking care of others and delighted in spending time with her family. Donna was a gift given to those around her and will be deeply missed.

Donna Jean Farr died on February 2, 2012. Donna’s family includes her husband, Fred; daughter, Melissa; grandchildren, Mandie Farr, Kendra Farr, Kameron Barhardt, and Mason Barhardt; sisters, Elaine Norton and Patsy Holtzlander; several nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Helen Harvard; and best friend, Del Kluesner. Visit with Donna’s family and friends on Friday, February 3, 2012, 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with Vigil at 7:30. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Burial in Alpine Twp Pinegrove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of West Michigan or Fred and Lena Meijer Heart Center. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or sign the online guestbook.