Donna Jean Hollen

Donna Jean Hollen was known as many things to many people. She was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew her best, Donna will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

She was the daughter of George Miller and Ora Mae Neff. Donna grew up in Petoskey. Donna was raised with five siblings. Eddie, Dave, Dale, Bob and Allan. Donna was usually involved in all sorts of activities with her siblings. She and her siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

On September 18, 2002 Donna exchanged wedding vows with Herman Hollen at the Justice of the Peace in Toledo Ohio.

Donna worked hard to be a good mother to her children and she did her best to fulfill their needs. Donna was blessed with six children, five girls, Vickie, Peggie, Lindie, Kandie, Chotsie and one son, Leroy.

Fortunately, Donna enjoyed what she did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Donna worked diligently and did her best to succeed in her career. She was a nanny for two girls, Jessica and Callie.

Donna enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. She loved camping, knitting, family gatherings, cooking for others and reading her daily devotionals. She was content to enjoy her favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Donna’s faith was important to her. She was a member of Okemos Church of the Nazarene.

Donna enjoyed traveling and time away on vacations. It was a chance for her to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. Favorite vacations included Florida, Petoskey.

Donna was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of her favorites was Nene, a long haired chihuahua.

When Donna’s retirement finally arrived in 2001, she was well prepared. Her new life involved relocating to Belleville Mi after getting married. In retirement, she found new pleasure in camping and vacationing. Even in retirement, Donna continued to stay in touch with her old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. Donna was active in her new community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities retirement offered her.

Donna passed away on June 14, 2023 peacefully in her home. Cause of death was a pulmonary embolism. She is survived by her children Vickie (Ladd) Winnie, Peggie Alward, Lindie (Fudd) Henry, Kandie Williams, Chotsie (Art) Eastman, Step Children Cherie (Nathan) Keller, Scott Draper, Todd Draper, David Jones, Kim (Trent) Jackson, Michelle (Richard) Priebe. Services were held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home. Donna was laid to rest in Glendale Cemetery in East Lansing, Michigan.

Simply stated, Donna was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by her family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Donna leaves behind her a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life she touched will always remember Donna Jean Hollen.