Donna Jean Campbell's Obituary
Donna Jean Campbell, age 94, of Spring Lake passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2013, at Heartwood Lodge. She was born February 18, 1919 in Ludington to Clark C. and Ruth Louise (Bailey) Oliver. She graduated from Ottawa Hills High in 1937. After high school, Donna attended Davenport Business School and worked as an administrative assistant for Valley Furniture Co. of Grand Rapids as well as serving in the Ottawa County War Dept., in Grand Rapids. In 1943 Donna proudly enlisted and served in the US Lady Marine Corps and was stationed at Arlington, VA Navy Annex and worked in Washington D.C. She has the honor of having her name engraved on the Women’s Veterans Wall in Washington DC as a former Lady Marine. She met William Campbell, they married on June 30, 1945, lived in Grand Rapids until 1954, then moving to and residing in Spring Lake for the next 59 years where Donna became a devoted stay-at-home wife and wonder mother.
Donna was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Spring Lake. The greatest joys in Donna's life came from her husband William, of 61 years and her 11 children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, parents and her only sibling, her sister, Phyllis Landefeld, all of whom she loved dearly. Donna found much enjoyment attending Muskegon Community College music concerts each year due to her musical talent of playing the violin in high school. She filled her years attending events for all her children and being a very involved parent with St. Mary’s School and St. Mary’s Women’s Club. She was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary and enjoyed the friendships created through her Round Robin Group. Donna attended many, many Notre Dame Football games with William and continued to enjoy them during her Heartwood years. She was an avid scrabble player, playing into her 94th year. She enjoyed embroidery, reading and traveling. Donna always looked beautiful on her outings to the Coffee Grounds and Panerea Bread to chat with her many friends.
She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Karen (Frans) Jungslager of Marco Is, FL, Timothy Campbell of Grand Haven, Catherine (Gene) Anderson of Nunica, Tom (Shari) Campbell of Engelwood, FL, David (Jean) Campbell of Grand Rapids, Suzanne (Charles) Welton of Grand Haven, Bonnie (Mike) Hawes of Jenison, Bill (Debbie) Campbell of Grand Haven, Bob (Nancy) Campbell of Grand Haven and Jim (Lauren) Campbell of Mattawan, MI. She leaves behind a legacy of 21 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Donna was preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Christine Holmes in 2005, followed by the death of her husband, William in 2007.
Our appreciation goes to the kind and caring staff at Heartwood Lodge Care Center where Donna lived for the last 4 years of her life. Also our gratitude goes to Hospice for their guidance in these last weeks.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Donna will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, August 29, 2013 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Spring Lake with Rev. Father Daniel DePew presiding. Visitation for family and friends will be Wednesday, August 28, from 4 – 7 P.M. at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Spring Lake. Military rites will be provided under the auspices of the American Legion Charles A. Conklin Post #28 Honor Guard. Interment will be in Spring Lake Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to St. Mary’s Food Pantry are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
The family is being served by VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home of Spring Lake.
What’s your fondest memory of Donna?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donna?
Share a story where Donna's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donna you’ll never forget.
How did Donna make you smile?
