Donna Marie Babcock

Donna Marie Babcock was born on November 9, 1931, in the midst of the Great Depression, to John and Mary Catherine (“Mame”) Wiest. Donna spent her entire formative years in the contented and gentle Wiest family home at 1941 Cleveland Ave. in Wyoming, MI.  She was the last of nine children.  Donna attended Catholic elementary school at her local parish, Holy Name of Jesus, and came of age during World War II.  Five of her brothers served her country honorably.  Donna proudly attended Catholic Central High School, graduating in 1949.  Her brother, Edward, offered to pay her way to a higher education at Aquinas College but Donna elected to pursue a vocation, in marriage, and exchanged vows with her first and only “boyfriend” – her “sweetheart” – Vernon E. Babcock Jr., son of Vernon E. Babcock Sr. and Ladonna Levesque, on February 3, 1951.   Vern and Donna were blessed with over 67 years of marital life.  From that union six children issued: Dianne (Gerald+) Lemke, Dan (Kathy) Babcock, Michael Babcock, John Babcock, James (Melissa) Babcock, and Jane (Michael) Anstett, each with their own distinct personality, and vision, which Donna cultivated skillfully.   Some of these children welcomed children including: Shane (Angela) Lemke, Jamie (Megan) Lemke, Caitlin (Randy) Mahar, R. Daniel “Rocky” (Courtney) Babcock, Alexandra (Angel) Babcock-Martinez, Micheal Babcock, Mary Komejan, Benjamin Babcock, Jacob Babcock and Shane Anstett.   Great-grandchildren followed, each of whom Donna loved equally, the latest of which is Everett Lemke.  Everett “rocks”!  The other magnificent jewels in Donna’s matriarchal “diadem” include great-grandchildren, Dakota and Haleigh Lemke.  Donna’s whole life was framed by her Christian faith, a faith grounded in the millennia old teachings and liturgy of the Roman Catholic Church.  She was also guided by her own wits, intelligence and well formed conscience.   She was, at heart, a gentle person.  She was inspired by the Gospel image of the Good Shepherd, and was prepared, always, to rush in and save the lonely and lost lamb.  She had many deep and long lasting friendships.  These women inspired Donna and helped her grow in wisdom and faith.  For over 25 years, Donna and Vern lived in a beautiful condo in Manistee made possible by the generosity of their son, Dan and daughter-in-law, Kathy.  When she could, Donna loved to golf and play mahjong with “the girls”.  On the eve of Donna’s death, Donna's friend, Marilyn Yhus said:  “Donna always comported herself like a lady”.  After a brief period of suffering, Donna departed on March 18, 2018 at 2 p.m.  Once again, God was merciful.  Donna was blessed with many loving siblings and in-laws, many who have passed.   She is survived by her mentor, and much loved older sister, Dolores (Romuald+) Falicki; her brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Kathy Wiest; and other sisters and brothers-in-laws including Bernice (Art+) Wiest, Donna Jean (Jerome+) Wiest, Ellyn and Edwin Dominiak, John and Nedila Babcock, Terry and Marie Sommerdyke, and many, much loved nieces and nephews.  We would be remiss if we did not thank the many doctors and support staff in Manistee and Grand Rapids, especially Dr. Ryan Sullivan in Manistee, and Dr. Leigh Seamon at Spectrum Health.  The Hospice team at Spectrum provided excellent care to the friends and family and we thank especially nurses, Lisa, Casey, and Dominic and all of the Spectrum aides including Jennifer. Shandra Hop, MSW, was an especial gift from God to Donna and her family during this difficult time.  We also thank the Personal Care Workers from Gauthier Family Home Care, especially Dan Gauthier, and personal care attendants, Vickilyn, Tracy, April, Jane, and Sheryl.  We simply could not have served Donna well without their loving and professional touches.  A special shout out has to go to Jodi Chance, Jane’s dear neighbor; Jodi was one step ahead of the family in anticipating Donna’s next need.  Jodi even offered up her young son, Michael, to play cribbage with Donna to pass the time and cheer her. Thank you Michael!  So many people brought food to Jane’s house; it was remarkable.  Special thanks go to Donna’s nieces, Cheryl Pratt and Sandy Rich, and friends, Lori Mendez and Cathy Nyboer.  Margaret Grandy, Donna’s dear friend for decades, and former co-worker, brought Donna her final Communion before passing.  Jane and Mike Anstett opened their home to Donna in this, her hour of need.  Mike Anstett could not have been more generous. There are saints who walk amongst us.  Family and friends will receive visitors on Thursday, March 22, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at  Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4145 Chicago Drive SW, Grandville.   A vigil will be held on Thursday at 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Mass for Donna will be celebrated on Friday, March 23, at 11 a.m. at St. Pius X Parish, 3937 Wilson Ave., Grandville, MI, 49418. An additional visitation will be held on Friday from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church. The wonderful Fr. Chris Rouech will preside. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.  If you are inclined to honor Donna somehow, kindly consider donating to the St. Pius X Food Pantry.  Well done Donna, “ . . . good and faithful servant.”  Catholic Central’s Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters would give you, no doubt, an A+!   Love you forever!