Donna Nusbaum

Donna Shaw Larke Nusbaum departed this world on January 11, 2018 with sense of humor intact, enduring curiosity, sound memories of her well lived life and abiding love for her family. Throughout her nearly 97 years of love, humor and positivity she provided everyone she touched with the finest example of the human spirit. Born January 28, 1921 to Ervin and Madeline Larke, Donna lived her early years in Battle Creek, MI. She met Gene Nusbaum while working at Kellogg Co and they married in December 1942. Their family began as Gene was piloting B-24 bombers in WWII. The family moved to a farm in Delton, MI where they raised their four children and more than a few animals. Inspired by her father Ervin, Donna's love of nature flourished at the farm. Donna survived the devastating loss of her beloved Gene when she was 46 as well as teaching an entire generation of third graders in the Delton Schools. She retired from teaching in 1986 but not from exploring life. She was a true world traveler and adventurer, having gone white water rafting on the Youghiogheny River, mountain climbing in Switzerland, visited the Great Wall of China, gone on Safari in Kenya, kissed the Blarney Stone in Ireland, enjoyed Normand hospitality in France and exotic food in the Philippines. Donna was a life-long student, traveling throughout the US to participate in painting and cultural Elderhostel experiences. An artist, Donna produced a prodigious amount of beautiful hand-painted watercolor greeting cards, admired by everyone who was fortunate to have seen them. She was a member of the Kalamazoo Christian Church Disciples of Christ for nearly 30 years. She enjoyed many friendships through her membership in the Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel. Donna maintained a connection with the 781st Bomb Squadron that Gene belonged to, attending their reunions for many years. To quote her granddaughter - a sentiment held by her entire family: "My Gramma was one of the most inspirational women in my life. Kind, adventurous, courageous, and cool. I am so lucky to have had her in my life, and be part of the amazing family she built around her." Donna was preceded in death by her parents, husband Eugene Nusbaum, sisters Elaine (George) Odell, Sally (Charles) Reed and brother Bob (Georgia-still living) Larke. She is survived by sons Michael (Heather), Gene, Robert (Karen) and daughter Carol (Richard); grandchildren David (Rebecca), Maya (Glenn), Stephanie (Randy), Ryan (Kara), Donna (Robert), Eric (Lisa), Emma, Sarah (James), Chase (Kristina) and Wil (Jax); great grandchildren Alexa (Colin), Jonah, Cole, Carson, Natalie, Elise, Avery, Kinley, Teagan, Desmond, Jean-Luc; and nieces and nephews Candi, Pam, Debbie, Pat, Geoff, Mike (deceased), Tom, Suzi, Chuck, Barb, Terry, Daryl, Sharyl, Karen, Jack, Joel, Chuck (deceased) and Greg. A memorial service to celebrate Donna's life will be held on March 24, 2018 location to be determined. Inurnment will follow at Memorial Park, Battle Creek, MI.