Donna Jean (Clemenz) Foy, passed away at age 85 on Tuesday, September 14, 2021. Donna was born on July 15, 1936, in Grand Rapids Michigan to the late Theodore and May (Scott) Clemenz. She is preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, Gerald Foy, and is survived by her children, Daniel Clark, David Clark (Aveva Yufit); Gerald’s children, Jeanette Gee (Winston), John Foy, Howard Craig Foy (Siiri), Susann Luper-Foy (David Duff), Karl Foy (Julie), and Nancy Foy; as well as the father of her children, Richard Clark (Theodore), and numerous cousins who served as surrogate siblings.
As a single mother in the 1960’s, she was able to support her family and earn the credentials necessary to become a teacher; she taught second grade in the Thornapple Kellogg school system for a number of years before retiring to work with Gerald on their income property business.
Donna loved the outdoors, taking her mother and young children on camping trips out west, followed by bicycle camping trips with Gerald all across Europe as well as frequent visits to Utah. A dedicated family history enthusiast, she wrote detailed histories of members of the Scott and Clemenz families. Later in life, as a beloved resident of Clark Retirement Community on Franklin, she managed the greenhouse and organized the Spiritual Life Library.
Visitation will take place from 5-7 PM on Friday, September 17, 2021, at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Funeral services will take place at 11 AM on Saturday, September 18, 2021, at the funeral home. Rev. Steve Manskar officiating. Interment Oakwood Cemetery, Lowell, Michigan. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to: Trinity United Methodist Church, 1100 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506; The Nature Conservancy, Michigan Field Office, 101 East César E. Chávez Ave., Lansing, MI 48906; or The Clark Foundation, 1551 Franklin Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.
One Response
I am so sorry for your loss. I loved Donna and family so much and am so sorry I could not attend the services. I am thinking of all the good times we had together and she was like a sister to all of us cousins.