Joan Mc Donald

It was a blessing to have known and loved Joan McDonald. To all she encountered, Joan’s positive nature shown bright. She was just as nurturing and loving as she was strong willed and independent. Throughout life’s circumstances, Joan held fast to her faith and the family she loved. Deeply missed, she will be lovingly remembered.

By 1939, Americans were beginning to hope again as the U.S. began to slowly emerge from the Great Depression. “God Bless America” was introduced, and moviegoers enjoyed the premieres of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” and “Gone With the Wind.” Yet in the riverfront city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Charles and Pearl (Ames) Lumpkin had much to be thankful for on May 18, 1939 when they welcomed the birth of their little girl, Joan.

The third of four children, Joan grew up with her brothers and sister, Larry, Charles “Sonny” and Doris in their family home on Watson Street. Joan’s father served in the Air Force and moved often so the family lived here in a stable environment. Her mother was a hardworking homemaker who selflessly raised her children, although Joan was like a second mother to her siblings and did much of the household chores. Through the years she remained very close to her brothers. A typical west side family, they counted many of their neighbors as good friends, and were members of the Parish of the Holy Spirit. Joan attended the area schools and went on to graduate from Union High School with the Class of 1957.

Joan was swept off her feet by James Mc Donald while attending a dance in the late fifties. They dated for several years, and on February 27, 1960 were happily married at St. James Catholic Church. The young couple began their new lives together as husband and wife living with James’ parents in their Ann Street home. Before long they bought a home to call their own on Linden Avenue NW. In time they were blessed with the births of four children, Michael, Phillip, Paul and Cindy. Joan remained at home as a homemaker while the children were young, and James supported their bustling household as a supervisor at Knapp and Vogt Manufacturing. Additional income came from the ten acre potato farm in Grant, Michigan. The family would work the farm and sell potato's to local restaurants.

Treasured family vacations were enjoyed by all camping in their travel camper to destinations such as Yellowstone National Park, Mt. Rushmore, and throughout the U.S. The glue that held her family together, Joan created wonderful family memories, especially during the holidays. She was a wonderful cook, and some of her specialties included her delicious goulash, chili, and steaks on the grill. As a baker, her baked apple and cherry pies were the best. Anyone who sat at Joan’s table never left hungry.

When her children grew older, Joan began working outside the home. She began working for Ace Vending, and later landed a position in the cafeteria at Irwin Seating. In her free time, Joan liked to dance and was a fan of country music. She did some reading, and usually books authored by Stephen King. Her collection of Christmas angels remained close to her heart, many of which were given to Joan as gifts through the years.

Joan always had a love for travel. She went to Hawaii, and following the death of her husband, she went on eight Caribbean cruises. Joan also traveled to Mexico and the Bahamas. She had a wonderful green thumb and thoroughly enjoyed time spent gardening in both her flower and vegetable gardens. Not one to be closed up inside the house, Joan was an outdoor type of woman. Whether working in the yard or sitting on the patio, she loved taking in the fresh, summer air. Independent by nature, Joan was never afraid to get her hands dirty. A do-it-yourself kind of person, she did many of her home projects on her own, even installing light fixtures.

The center of the family she adored, Joan was always serving and being helpful to others. She selflessly gave of her time and talents, never expecting anything in return. Her positive outlook was like a ray of sunshine, and her heartfelt kindness was a welcome addition to the days of her family and friends. Gone but never to be forgotten, Joan will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

Joan A. Mc Donald, age 76, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Friday, May 22, 2015. Joan was preceded in death by her husband, James in 1988; son, Paul in 2002; and by her brother, Charles Lumpkin. She is survived by her children, Michael (Kelly) Mc Donald, Phillip (Ellen) Mc Donald, and Cindy Mc Donald; grandchildren, James Mc Donald, Alex Mc Donald, and Faith Mc Donald; brother, Larry (Sandy) Lumpkin; and by her longtime companion, Robert Tuttle.

A service to celebrate Joan’s life will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2015, 1:00 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Visitation with her family will take place Monday, May 25, 2015 at the funeral home from 6-8 PM. Contributions in her memory to the Humane Society of West Michigan are appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a favorite memory or photo of Joan and to sign her online guest book.