Donalda Agnes Warner

Mason, Michigan

After living a long and courageous life (age 96) was called home by her heavenly Father on August 3, 2013. Born June 28, 1917 to Donald Turner Maclean and Margaret Finayson (Hunter) Maclean in Grosse Pointe, MI, she soon moved with her family to a small farm in Leslie, MI. At age 17 she graduated 1st in her class and the next year attended County Normal Teaching School. Upon completion she started her teaching career in a one room school, a career that would last over 45 years and touch the lives of many people. Over the next few years she earned her undergraduate degree in education from Western Michigan and later a Master’s degree from the U of M and a Ph.D. from MSU.

In 1945 Donalda married Louis Nicholas Warner. It was a time of war. She went with him to California and worked in a civilian capacity with the navy until he completed his tour of duty. They then returned to Lansing, Michigan where she resumed her teaching career at Everett High School. After retiring from Everett in 1982, she wrote a book, “Temper the Wind” and traveled to many countries including England, Scotland, the Holy Land, Africa and Australia to name just a few.

Donalda was a long time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Lansing where she was very active in the quilting group. She also enjoyed spending time boating, sailing, swimming, hiking, etc. at their cottage on Mullett Lake in Northern Michigan.

Donalda is survived by her son, James (Diane) of Haslett and numerous cousins in Scotland, the USA, and other places around the world.

In summary, she was an excellent student and a gifted teacher who impacted numerous lives, a wonderful wife and mother, and a good friend. She will be missed by all who knew her. Our loss pales compared to her gain and heaven’s gain. Let us rejoice in a life well lived.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 510 W. Ottawa St, Lansing on Friday, August 9 at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Charles Herrick officiating followed by a luncheon. The family will receive friends at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made in Donalda’s memory to the First Presbyterian Church, 510 W. Ottawa St, Lansing, MI 48933 or to the Volunteers of America, 430 N. Larch Street, Lansing, MI 48912. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com.