CLARY Joellen K. Donnelly Clary age 77 of Grand Rapids passed away August 22 2011. She was preceded in death by her son Dr. John (Johann) R. Clary and brother Charles Donnelly. She is survived by her children in Grand Rapids Jack (Claire) Clary Jennifer (Mitch Balingit) Clary; grandchildren Max Keegan Clary Jack Morgan Clary and Johanna and Katherine Balingit; sister-in-law Marilyn (P.D.) Lippert and special niece and nephews Sharon Chuck and Mike; and special family friend Sharon Clum. Joellen graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelors degree in Psychology Sociology and Journalism. She received her Masters degree in Psychology from the University of Detroit where she received a teaching fellow and was the author of published research in the Journal of Psychological Studies concerning child development. Joellens professional and volunteer experiences were committed to kindness and compassion for others. Included for example were working as a child therapist educator volunteer within Hospice and nursing home settings weekend home provider for emotionally unstable teenage girls aide for disabled young adults at Lincoln School/Goodwill Industries hospital volunteer years of PTA activism and organizing teacher development. For decades she was instrumental in a variety of positions and activities of the Grand Rapids Ballet Company and Opera Grand Rapids Art Museum YWCA and supported numerous charitable organizations with her efforts and ideas. Later in life she received her Associate degree in Nursing from GRCC and was a licensed Registered Nurse. Besides her family friends her community and people from all walks of life Joellen adored and was devoted to creatures of all kinds especially those who roamed her woods and pond. She was a naturalist at heart. Her children wish to acknowledge that their friends through many years considered her their second moms and her fun loving lightness of being yet ever so serious responsibility to be kind to others and true to oneself has made all the difference. Liturgy of Christian Burial will be offered 1:00 PM at St. Stephen Church 750 Gladstone SE. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery Saginaw. Visitation one hour prior to the service at church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Land Conservancy of West Michigan or the YWCA of Grand Rapids.
