Donna Sargent

Someone who was content in all things, Donna Sargent was a gracious and humble woman who lived to love and nurture her family. She was independent and hardworking with a belief that anything worth doing was worth doing right. Donna enjoyed helping others but never wanted to be the center of attention, and although she was particular in how she did things there was always room for an unexpected detour when it involved extending kindness to others. She was thrilled to become a grandmother, and she loved being with her grandchildren no matter what they were doing. She was a friend to everyone she met, and a friend of Donna’s was a friend for life. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by her family and friends.

The 1930s were very much defined by the Great Depression. Jobs were hard to come by and the unemployment rate soared to over 25 percent, which left countless Americans to do whatever they could to make ends meet. It was just as this decade was dawning that a young couple from Grand Rapids, Michigan, was pleased to announce the birth of their baby girl on August 27, 1930. Donna J. was born in the family home on Roger Street on the Northwest side of the city as one of two children born to her parents, Robert "Donald" and Margaret (VanderLind) Fox. Joined in her family by her younger brother, Tom, she and her family certainly felt the effects of the Great Depression, however, her mother taught her to have empathy and compassion for others. They always had food to eat, and a staple in the Fox family was “honeymoon sandwiches” that were simply lettuce on bread. Donna was very close to her extended family as she spent a lot of time with her her aunts, uncles, and cousins. Sledding during the winter was a favorite activity.

As a young girl of her generation Donna attended Harrison Park Elementary, Fairview, and then graduated from Union High School. For a time she worked at a local dairy, and after they were closed she often made a sundae to bring home to her parents. After graduating from high school Donna worked at Michigan Bell for several years.

Life was forever changed for Donna when she met the young man of her dreams while cruising the circuit on Division Avenue. She and some friends stopped at the drive in hamburger stand where they met up with a carload of young boys including Walter Sargent. He was just as smitten as she was so he got her information and made contact shortly thereafter. A dating relationship began, and it wasn’t long before they were both deeply in love. Eager to spend the rest of their lives together Donna and Walter were married in 1951.

The newlyweds settled into an apartment on Spencer Street where the first of their children, Steve, was born. Donna left the workforce to stay home with their son. Their growing family later moved to a home on Royal Oak on the Southwest side of Grand Rapids, and it was there that their family was completed with the births of two daughters, Linda and Lori. The Sargents eventually built a home on Garfield NW that would remain Donna’s home for the rest of her life.

As a mother Donna was fair but firm, and everything was black and white. She made her expectations clear, and her children knew they were to fall in line since she was never one to leave the disciplining to her husband. Donna was also very routine in tending to the housework as the same chores took place on the same days each week. The house was always immaculately clean, yet it was also welcoming to her children and their friends as there was always room for one more at her dinner table. Lunch was served promptly at noon and dinner at five - and the expectation was that everyone would be there and on time. There was fun to be had, too, and some of their best moments were shared at Donna’s parents’ cottage on the Muskegon River. Donna’s family got together with her extended family rather frequently, and among family there was no one who didn’t know just what she thought.

Once her youngest child was in school Donna firmly wanted to go back to work, which brought her to Meijer. She worked as a cashier, primarily at the courtesy desk, and she also put the work schedule together. Donna made numerous friends there throughout her 17 year employment before retiring.

Always one to be busy, Donna was a woman of many interests. She took a few trips with her family, including trips to Niagara Falls, the Smokey Mountains, and around Lake Superior. As their children grew a bit older Donna and her husband regularly enjoyed an evening out at a local restaurant every Friday night. As someone who was social and outgoing, she bowled on a league with friends from Meijer, and she also liked to get together with old friends whenever she could whether friends from Meijer or friends from school. When not working Donna liked browsing cookbooks and she always had cookies available. She also canned pickles and made salsa. She was into ceramics at one time, and she kept her mind sharp by doing word searches and puzzles as well as playing along with Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!

Later in life Donna continued living life to the fullest. In the late seventies she began visiting her parents at their winter home in Englewood, Florida, which in later years became her place where she usually spent up to five months each year. Although she was deeply saddened with Walt’s death in 1981, her strength and independent spirit coupled with Walt’s detailed planning kept her moving forward. Donna was a proud grandmother who delighted in her grandchildren. She saw them whenever she could when they were young and was even known to tackle them to get a kiss! Donna regularly filled them with wisdom, teaching them how to be frugal and to keep things clean. Later, Donna’s great-grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She never forgot to send a birthday card in recognition of a loved ones birthday, and the recipient knew they had better give her a thank you.

Donna was blessed to find love again with Robert “Bob” Poddig. They were longtime companions who enjoyed many years together. Donna and Bob were very active in the Englewood community as they regularly played games, volunteered, and participated in various social activities. Every fall she looked forward to the good times and friends in Florida.

A woman who was beautiful on the inside and out, Donna Sargent was deeply loved. She could be opinionated at times, but these opinions were offset by her quick wit and sense of humor. Donna will never be forgotten.

Donna J. Sargent, age 83 of Grand Rapids, passed away July 22, 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter. Donna is survived by her children: Steve & Lynne Sargent, Linda & Mike Moore, Lori & Herm Patow; grandchildren (and great grandchildren): Lisa & Zac Zuk (Zoey), Scott & Jennifer Moore, Aaron Pickel (Tanner, Austin, Corey and Lexi), Katie & Steve Kole (Owen), Christina & Greg Sobie (Norah and Claire), Jonathan Sargent; brother and sisters-in-law Tom & Mary Ann Fox, Etta Fase; and her longtime companion, Robert Poddig. The service to remember and celebrate her life will be held on Friday, July 25 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW where friends are invited to visit with her family on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. For those who wish, memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society are appreciated. To read more about Donna's life, to share a memory or to sign her guestbook, visit www.lifestorynet.com