Ms. Donna Jacobsen's Obituary
Once upon a time a beautiful baby girl named Donna was born to Wilfrid and Edna (Dahl) Fortier. Donna had a wonderful childhood with her parents and brother Lorin, the happy memories of which always stayed with her. As an adult, Donna became a teacher at Orchard View Schools where she enjoyed working with the children and helping prepare them for their best future possible. When she retired from teaching, she still wanted to do all she could to help others and contribute to the community. In 1988, she started Tour de Force limousine service to provide transportation for people to their special events. The business grew to a fleet of three limousines, and when an extra driver was needed, she would don her chauffer’s uniform and cap and drive the clients herself. After she sold the business, she remained close to several of her drivers who became an extension of her family. While she was not lucky in marriage, she finally met the love her life, Robert Peterson, in 1997. They shared a very special love and made many beautiful, cherished memories until he passed in 2003. While physically gone, he was always in her heart and she remained close to his daughters and their families.
For many years, Donna wanted to share words of inspiration and encouragement with everyone in the community and placed weekly ads in the Chronicle Clippings that always began with “Happiness is…” On occasion, an ad would end with “d.” but few people knew that Donna was the person behind the ads. Donna had an incredible zest for life, whether she was teaching in high heels, serving clients in her chauffer’s uniform, entertaining friends at her beloved home on Mona Lake, delivering donuts to the NSPD in appreciation of their service, silently leaving a bag of goodies outside a friend’s front door as a surprise, or enjoying a good toddy. The cards and notes she sent to others always included a detailed, personal note neatly printed in her perfect script.
On September 30, 2020, the world lost this very special, classy lady. It is a particularly significant loss for her nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. An outdoor funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2020 at 11:00 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 in her honor.
Happiness was… knowing this very special soul. Rest in peace pretty lady. Life on Mona-Mona will never be the same.
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?
