Donna Thomas

Donna G. Thomas was a woman with an amazing heart. Whether she was working, raising her son, practicing her faith or spoiling her grandson, Donna put her heart into all that she did. Family was the greatest source of happiness in her life. Although she was a very independent lady, she always counted on the company of her family, particularly her precious grandson, to put a smile on her face.

The year 1912 was a quieter, more relaxed time in American history. There were no televisions, automobiles were a rarity and families tended to sit down to meals together. For Jerry and Maggie (Highstreet) Van Dam of Grand Rapids, Michigan, it was also a time of celebration. Already the proud parents of a daughter, on February 15, 1912, they welcomed the birth of their second daughter, Donna. Her father earned a living working as a carpenter in a furniture factory, while her mother stayed home, caring for the needs of the family.

Donna’s family was fairly large; she was the second of four children, but her older sister Gertrude died when she was still young. She grew up with two younger brothers, Henry and Neal. Donna spent her childhood living on Garfield N.W. in Grand Rapids. As a child, she remembers her father coming home from work every day only to make the two-mile trek, on foot, to their new home site on Haines N.W. He did this every day, except on Sundays, until their new home was complete. For education, Donna attended West Leonard Elementary School and Union High School, however, she left after the eleventh grade. She soon joined the workforce, cleaning houses until she took a job in production at Globe Knitting Works.

One fateful day while on her way to work, Donna met a handsome young man named Joseph Thomas. A romance quickly blossomed and after about six months of courtship, they were married in 1946. The couple settled down to married life together, which wasn’t always easy in the beginning. They each were raised in different faiths, Joseph was Catholic and Donna was Christian Reformed, and their families were not always accepting of this. But in the end, their love was strong and they endured.

Meanwhile, Donna and Joseph were looking forward to more joyous times. One of the happiest days of her life was on July 20, 1946, when her only child, son Jerry, was born. This little bundle of joy became the focus of Donna’s life and she was very devoted to his every need. In fact, Jerry readily admits that he was a spoiled child. Later in life, Donna would pour this same love and attention into her relationships with her grandsons, Shaun and Trevor, whom she adored. Truly a fun-loving grandmother, she made it a point to see her grandsons nearly every other weekend, spoiling them rotten, a grandmother’s privilege.

The family lived on 941 Jennette N.W. in Grand Rapids, where they shared the delights and hard times of life together. Donna’s husband Joseph supported the family by working as a furniture finisher for several companies in the area while Donna continued working at home. They both were very frugal minded and their lives weren’t marked by glitz and glamour, but instead a stable and fulfilled commitment to a hard days work. For relaxation, the family enjoyed fishing in the summer off of the Grand Haven pier and ice fishing at White Lake. Donna raised her son in the Reformed Church of America and led the family in devotions in their home. She drew great strength from reading the Bible and religious books, like “Words of Hope.”

Tragically, in 1966, Donna suffered a great loss when her husband Joseph died shortly after having surgery to repair a broken heel. Very strong willed, a true Dutch trait, Donna learned to be very independent. She later moved to Grandview Apartments, where she resided for over 26 years. Here Donna made many good friends among the residents and stayed active by participating in several programs and activities, including Bible Study. However, as she grew older, she preferred to spend more time in the comfort of her home. Donna had a very big, generous heart and was known to write checks to just about anyone who asked. Perhaps, this was the reason why she received so much mail, more than anyone you know. Her stubborn nature, however, wouldn't let you tell her what to do.

Donna was truly a selfless and giving lady who never passed up another in need. However, family was always first in her heart and she enjoyed every moment they shared together over the years. Through her warmth and generosity, she exemplified all the wonderful things a mother and grandmother should be. Donna will be greatly missed and frequently remembered.

Donna G. Thomas, of Grand Rapids, MI, slipped peacefully into the arms of her Savior on Wednesday, April 20, 2005, at the age of 93. She was met by her beloved grandson, Shaun, who preceded her in death in 1995. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Thomas; her parents; sister, Gertrude, and brother, Henry. Donna is survived by her children, Jerry & Ruth Thomas of Muskegon; her grandson, Trevor, who was the light of her life; her brother, Neal Van Dam of Jenison; sister-in-law, Ilse Van Dam of Grandville; and several nieces and nephews.

A “Celebration” of her life will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 23, at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive, Grand Rapids, with Rev. David Van Dam officiating. Relatives and friends may meet her family for one hour prior to the service. Interment in Greenwood Cemetery. Please visit Donna’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to Hospice of Holland Home.