Donna Jean Wilkinson

Age 87, of Venice, Florida, formerly of East Lansing, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2016.

Beloved wife of Joseph “Joe” for 62 years. Devoted mother of Barbara Rader, Dale, Nancy (Dan) Paternoster, Marilyn (Mark) Anibal, Joan (Mark) Mollon, Donald (Kelly), William (Cindy), Sandra (Ben) Manring, David (Roxann), and Robert (Tiffany). Proud grandmother of 32 and great-grandmother of 7. Sister of Burton (Emme) Bouwkamp and Patricia (Richard) Gilchrist. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Beatrice and William Bouwkamp, siblings Gerald and Hester, and granddaughter Rebekah Grace.

She attended First Baptist Church of Okemos and generously supported many charitable works. Throughout her life, she served the community in many capacities; Cub Scout Den Mother, Girl Scout Leader, school volunteer, and working in the church kitchen.

Donna retired from the East Lansing Public Schools where she worked as an administrative assistant. During Donna’s retirement, she and Joe spent many happy years looking for shells and shark’s teeth on Caspersen Beach, entertaining family and friends at their Florida home, and swimming at the Country Club Estates pool. She was an avid reader. She enjoyed listening to hymns, playing cards, and watching old westerns.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, September 3, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Okemos, 4684 Marsh Rd., Okemos, MI. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations in Donna’s memory be directed to the City Rescue Mission of Lansing, 2216 South Cedar St., Lansing, Michigan 48910. Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.

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6 Messages to “Donna Jean Wilkinson

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Janine Medler
August 9, 2016 at 7:45 pm

I have the pleasure of knowing this lovely lady . She always had a smile, a kind word or good advice. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. She will be missed.

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tom DeVries
August 11, 2016 at 6:51 pm

May you rest in peace Aunt Donna.

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Bob and Kathy Lincoln
August 11, 2016 at 10:11 pm

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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Ruth (DeVries) Kurtis
August 14, 2016 at 8:30 am

I have a special place in my heart for all our aunts and uncles. We were blessed with an amazing family–and those family reunions were a big part of watching people in action and admiring their many talents. I was in awe of your parents ability to have such a big family (10!) and yet instill in you the desire to be educated beyond high school. Aunt Donna’s faith in God was a big part of her—and she shared that freely with all that asked. Glad to know that she is a part of the heavenly choir now, free from the physical limitations and cheering us all on from above. Love you my cousins. Your are all a tribute and extension of your wonderful parents.

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Bonnie L Gilchrist
August 18, 2016 at 10:12 am

So sorry to hear of your sorrow. God’s blessings and comfort to the family.

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Marilyn and David McEvoy
September 1, 2016 at 12:39 am

Nancy, You and Dan and your family honor your parents beyond description! You inspire us. We never had the pleasure of meeting your mom, but have enjoyed the stories you have shared. Praying for comfort for all of you during this time.

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