Donna Lee Williams Farr's Obituary
Donna Lee (VanDine) Williams Farr, died at Newaygo Medical Care Facility on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at the age of 89, with her 3 loving daughters by her side. She was born at home on February 4, 1934, to Wilbur and Vada VanDine (Engel) in Chicago, IL. She married David Williams on December 31, 1952, and he preceded her in death on October 4, 1957. Left on her own with 3 toddlers and a newborn to take care of, Donna went to night school to get her high school diploma. She then moved from the Chicago area to Norton Shores, MI, where she raised her 4 young children. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree at Grand Valley State University, as a member of the pioneer (first) graduating class at GVSU, an accomplishment she took great pride in. After graduation, she became a teacher and worked her entire career at Muskegon Public Schools, until her retirement.
On October 9, 1980, she married Charles Farr. They remained married until his death on October 8, 2013. Donna loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren very much and cherished spending time with them. She also enjoyed going to fireworks events and yearly trips to Florida, where she had a timeshare. Though Donna’s health was failing for years, her joy for life and indomitable spirit kept pushing her through the pain.
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, David Williams and her second husband, Charles Farr. She is survived by her children, Merlin Williams, Denise (Karl) Seabolt, Vivian (Dino-predeceased) DeMartino and Pamela Williams; grandchildren, David Hall, Brian (Brenda) Seabolt, Sara (Brian) Theis, Daniel Hall, Eric Hall and Zachariah (Amanda) Williams; great grandchildren, Astoria Kolenic, Kayla Theis, Joshua Benson, Rose Hall, Dani Hall, Alexa Theis, Draven Seabolt, Logan Seabolt, Addisyn Williams, Julie Hall, Grayson Williams and Breslyn Williams; and great great-grandchildren, Mayan Turner-Kolenic and Bryce Bostrom.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services (6291 S. Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444). A brief service will begin at 11:00 am, followed by a Memorial luncheon. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Share memories with the family at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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