Dec. 20, 1930 — July 18, 2014

Donna Jerdon was a beloved wife, mother, sister and grandmother, as well as a friend to everyone she met. After 83 years of generosity, laughter, love and her favorite dessert, lemon meringue pie, Donna passed away on Friday, July 18, 2014, at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo from injuries sustained in a fall at her home.

Donna was born on December 20, 1930, in Dowagiac to the late Dick and Iva Thomas. She married Floyd Jerdon, Jr., on March 30, 1950. Her loving family includes her husband of 64 years, Floyd Jerdon, Jr., her children, Judy (Pete) Paruch of St. Joseph, Janet Jerdon of Dowagiac, and Tom (Jodi) Jerdon of Dowagiac, her brother Jack Thomas, a nephew and nieces, and five grandchildren: Tamara Snyder, Ryan (Marisa) and Jason Paruch, and Ella and Anna Jerdon. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Floyd “Sike” Thomas.

Donna was the center of her family and she always knew what others needed and she gave herself to them. At the age of 14, she began her Christian life by joining the First United Methodist Church of Dowagiac, which she devoted herself to for 70 years, organizing & volunteering for bake sales, committees, luncheons and even cook books. She was the ultimate caregiver and volunteer, calling on shut-ins and nursing home residents. Donna’s motto was, “The little things in life mean the most,” and she made sure everyone received these gifts of kindness. She had a soft spot for animals and rescued a variety of strays, including a farm goose and even a goat found in the Manistee National Forest. She enjoyed her flower garden and birds.

She loved organizing celebrations of any type, including annual and even monthly reunions for her 1949 class of Dowagiac High School, her December birthday group and numerous other social functions. Donna was highly active and social, taking ceramics and exercise classes for decades, and loved to dance, especially to big band music. She was an active member in local politics & the Southwest Michigan Post Card Club. She was also a licensed real estate salesperson and worked at the family firm.

Every year, Donna and the family vacationed at Wolf Lake, near Baldwin MI, spending time on the lake, around the campfire, hunting mushrooms in the woods or gathering at Jones’ Ice Cream for a hot fudge sundae.

Her family will gather with friends on Tuesday, July 22, 2014, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church at 326 N. Lowe St. in Dowagiac, immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at 1 p.m. with Pastor David Price.

She will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery. Friends and family will gather back at the church for a time of food and fellowship following the committal service. Memorial contributions in Donna’s name may be directed to the First United Methodist Church of Dowagiac. Please take the opportunity to sign her guestbook and leave a memory of Donna at www.clarkch.com.