Donna Jean Evans

She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and animal lover. Donna fought a valiant fight against cancer, but in the end it took her away to reunite with her husband, Michael Joseph Evans. She was surrounded by love and peacefully passed in her home, with her daughters and both grandchildren by her side.

Donna was born to Roy J. and Gladys Margaret (Rogers) McAllister in Lansing, Michigan. In 1964, she graduated from Lansing Eastern as a member of the National Honor Society and married her high school sweetheart, Michael, on July 24, 1964. They started their family of three daughters, Deanna, Tracy, and Carla and built their home in Haslett.

She worked for the State of Michigan for most of her career from 1964 to 2002. Most of her time was in management and budget, then finishing out as a legislative analyst, Department of Labor. She was also a certified professional secretary (CPS), a member of the professional secretaries international and graduated in 1986 with an associate’s degree in business (summa cum laude) from LCC.

Donna and Mike built a new home in Williamston in 1988, where they began to enjoy the comforts of grown children, grandchildren, and eventual retirement. They were well-respected and enjoyed their well-earned retirement years in Florida, visiting the casino, playing the slots, and spending time together with their family and friends.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Michael, her father Roy J. McAllister and her mother, Gladys Hardy (McAllister). She is survived by daughters, Deanna (Ron) Wagner of Lansing, Tracy (Frank) Van Atta of Alexandria, Virginia, and Carla (Dave) English of Superior, Colorado. Surviving her also are her cherished grandchildren, Stephanie (Nic) Kronberg of Lansing and Todd Brenizer of Marshall; great-grandchildren, Drake and Vairity Kronberg and Chloe, Landon, and Zayden Brenizer; and step grandchildren/great-grandchildren, Josh (Raven) of Lansing (Cypress, Alizae and Kane), Michelle (Joe) Calabrese of Dewitt (Sarah and Hannah).

In addition, Donna is survived by her brother, Jerry (Cheryl) McAllister of Ithaca; brother-in-laws, Stephen (Cheryl) Evans of Lansing, Mark (Heidi) Evans of Palmetto, Florida; sister-in-laws, Peggy Albrecht of Lansing, Sally Reava of East Lansing; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held for Donna on Friday, May 27, 2022 at 12:00 PM, with visitation one-hour prior from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home East Lansing Chapel, 1730 E Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823. Following the service, Donna will be laid to rest in Evergreen Cemetery, 2600 E Mt. Hope Rd., Lansing, MI 48910.

Serving as pallbearers are Todd Brenizer, Nic Kronberg, Joe Calabrese, Josh Wagner, Sam Evans and Matt Evans.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Donna's memory may be made to Sparrow Home Hospice, 1210 W Saginaw St., Lansing, Michigan 48915 or World Central Kitchen, Att: Donor Services Team, 200 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 7th Floor, Washington DC, 20001.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Evans family.