Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Donna Wiggins Obituary
DeWitt
Our angel, age 83, went to be with our Lord on November 14, 2016, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Donna was born at home in Lansing, MI to Wilfred J. and Molita M. Griffith on February 26, 1933. She was preceded in death by her husband, John N. Wiggins; her father; Wilfred J. Griffith; her mother Molita Mae (Hart) Griffith; and her brother, Douglas W. Griffith. Donna graduated from Perry High School in 1949 at the tender age of 16 (having advanced two grades in Elementary School) with high honors and was Salutatorian. She graduated from Lansing Business University with an Administrative Business Degree. She also belonged to her LBU sorority. For the past 21 years, Donna has been working full time at Community Mental Health as an Administrative Assistant in the Residential Administration Division. Donna loved her job, her co-workers, the clients, and most of all, her beloved boss and friend, Sharon Lopez. Donna loved her family very much and loved spending time with them, especially with her "Punkin'". She loved attending many sports events of her grandchildren and great grandson along with going to all of the Bath High School band concerts and parades. She thoroughly enjoyed running her Saturday errands with her beloved son, Mike, especially to Tim Horton's, Flap Jack, and Meijer. Donna had a weakness and a love of chocolate and her purse was never without a 5 stick pack of Double Mint Gum. She loved and religiously attended her annual alumni Perry High School banquets. Donna was very involved in the PTA while her children were active in school and beyond. She served as President and received the PTA Lifetime & Member Achievement award in 1986. She so enjoyed music from her "era" and also sang with the John Hill Singers in the 1970s. Donna is survived by her children, daughter Kelly (David) Weiler and son Michael J. Wiggins; her granddaughter Lindsay (Ryan) Kowalk; her grandsons Samuel Weiler and Mickie Weiler; 4 great-grandchildren, Tristan Kowalk and Zachary, Kira, & Amara Weiler; beloved sister, Maurine Placeway of El Paso, TX; special niece, Shari Freitas of El Paso, TX; special friends, Doris Weiler and Barbara Kowalk along with many nieces, nephews, and Griffith cousins. We will miss this dear little lady of ours very much and she will remain forever in our hearts. The family would like to thank the doctors and staff of Sparrow Cancer Center (Best Coffee Maker - Chris), her Sparrow Hospice Nurse Michael, and especially all of the loving staff at Medilodge of Okemos that showed us so much compassion during Donna's remaining days. They became family to our mom and us. Thank you to all of our supportive extended family and friends. Should friends desire, the family has designated Sparrow Hospice for memorial contributions. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, DeWitt Chapel Friday, November 18, 2016 with visitation one hour prior. The family will also receive visitors Thursday, November 17 from 2:00-4:00 pm and 6:00-8:00 pm at the funeral home. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.grdewitt.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donna Wiggins
Sponsored by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes.
Maryanne Roth
November 18, 2016
I'm going to miss my partner in crime at work. We were always stalking the pharmaceutical luncheons for free food. Or giving away secrets to where the candy was in the building. I only got to know Donna for a year. She made me feel relaxed and welcomed at CMHA. I'm going to miss her humor, her smile and her motherly care.
Judy Theis
November 18, 2016
Mike,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your
family at this difficult time. From listening to the stories you used to tell me when we worked together I could tell your mother was very loved and respected. Take care my friend and
to your mom, "That's Amore"
Angela Sipka
November 17, 2016
Dear Mike and Kelly,
I worked with Donna for a number of years. She always introduced me to anyone as "Doc". I am a nurse. She was a wonderful caring person and will be missed by many people. We would talk about her family and she was very proud of all of you and loved you. I asked her why she didn't retire and she said she enjoyed working. I enjoyed working with her. I am so sorry for your loss, and saddened by this news.
Angela
susan
November 17, 2016
dear mike and family, so sorry for you loss. thoughts and prays are with you all at this very sad time. you raised a real nice son. god bless and rest in peace. sue and roy
Rob Davis
November 17, 2016
Dear Mike and Kelly,
I'm grateful for the opportunity to speak with you both today and to reminisce about your Mom, a truly remarkable lady.
I think I see in each of you that strength of character coupled with a sense or mirth that was so much a part of Donna. Treasure what you received from her as those of us in her second family, the clients and staff at CMH, will.
Donna gave us all many years of devoted service.
Julie Vermett-Pollok
November 17, 2016
Donna was a treasured co-worker for many years at Community Mental Health. She was always professionally dressed and professionally spoken. She always had a huge smile for everyone she saw. Her smile lit up her entire face and you knew without a doubt that it was a genuine feeling of joy to see you! She seemed truly happy to be at work, during a stage of life most people prefer to be retired. Donna and I shared coffee and stories regarding work and home life, I never heard her speak of retiring or not wanting to be at work. Ms. Donna Wiggins is a true inspiration!! I look forward to seeing that smile when I get to Heaven! God is pouring out His comfort to her loved ones during this time of sadness and joy.
richard middaugh
November 17, 2016
Mike Wiggins,
Just a few words to let you know I'm
thinking of you while you're in a tough
place. Dick Middaugh
Cathy Dionise
November 17, 2016
Donna Wiggins was an excellent role model for all women. She was very professional in the way she carried out her duties and in the way she carried "herself" in the workplace. Donna was ready, willing and able to help anyone who needed it. I called on her many times for her assistance and advise. You would never know that she was an 83 year old woman. She never let her age interfere with whatever was sent her way to handle. I vow to be more like her as she was a "class act" and loving person. Sure will miss her when I go to Jolly Road to visit. May she Rest in Peace.
November 17, 2016
Donna Wiggins was an excellent role model for all women. She was very professional in the way she carried out her duties and in the way she carried "herself" in the workplace. Donna was ready, willing and able to help anyone who needed it. I called on her many times for her assistance and advise. You would never know that she was an 83 year old woman. She never let her age interfere with whatever was sent her way to handle. I vow to be more like her as she was a "class act" and loving person. Sure will miss her when I go to Jolly Road to visit. May she Rest in Peace.
Mary Garrage
November 16, 2016
Kelly, Mike & family. Donna was one of the sweetest people I have ever met in my life. When I think of her, I see a beautiful smile and I hear a genuine happy to see you hello. The wonderful quality's of her definitely spilled into you guys. Love you very much.
November 16, 2016
Rest in peace
Frank Taylor
November 16, 2016
I worked with Donna for many years at Community Mental Health and was always cheered by her ever on tap enthusiasm, and her awesome ability to get things done. We will miss her greatly.
November 16, 2016
Mike,
We are so sorry to hear about your Mom. Even though we didn't know her, we remember how lovingly you always spoke of her. Our thoughts are with you.
Your dancing friends,
Connie and JoAn and Bill
Jana Baylis
November 16, 2016
So sorry for your family's loss. I have had the pleasure of working at CMH with Donna for 13 years. For the majority of my career, our offices followed each other, I started on the second floor in her suite, then moved to the basement, where she soon followed. Visiting with Donna, sharing her stories about her family, experiences, sharing mine with her and sharing chocolate!! She is a beautiful soul, inside and out. We will all miss her!!!
Tara Nelson
November 16, 2016
I am so very sorry for your loss. I had the wonderful opportunity to get to know Donna at Community Mental Health. She always had a smile and kind words but also feisty when she needed to be! She was amazing and will be deeply missed by all.
Sharon Taylor
November 16, 2016
So sorry to hear of Donna's passing. I worked with her for many years at CMH and she always had a smile and kind words for everyone. She will be missed by many.
anna oversmith
November 16, 2016
Donna was one of the kindest sweetest souls i ever met. She will be missed
November 16, 2016
Dear Mike,and Family,, My Heartfelt Condolences for The Loss of Your Beautiful Mother..God Rest Her Soul,,,
Carla Shilts
November 16, 2016
I loved Donna. She was such a sweet, thoughtful person.
Denise and Steve Piggott
November 16, 2016
Always in our hearts,
November 16, 2016
We were so very sorry to hear about your Mom. We always enjoyed being around her, she was a wonderful lady. Your all in our thoughts and prayers we are here if there's anything we can do for you. Much love Denise and Steve
Darlynn Covert
November 16, 2016
So sorry to hear that our precious friend from CMH has left us. She was a very special lady and coworker. I will miss her soft, sweet voice and smile. It was my privilege to have known her. God bless you all at this time of immense loss. ~ Lynn
Jill Roth
November 16, 2016
My thoughts are with you during this heartfelt time and may Donna find the comfort and peace she deserves. I have known her since the Cumberland neighborhood and Cumberland school days when our daughters were the best of friends. She was a beautiful woman.
Amy Hill
November 16, 2016
Donna was a very special lady with a sunny smile and a listening ear for all her coworkers. She was kindhearted and was a great person to talk to in general. I can't imagine the Residential Admin area without her there to greet you or point you in the right direction. I hope that heaven appreciates her as much as we did. I will miss Donna so much and my world is a bit darker now that she is gone. My thoughts and prayers are with you as I hope yours are with us at CMHA as we try to get by without Donna. - Peace of Christ be with you all.
Leon Anderson
November 16, 2016
I had the opportunity to work with Donna Elaine for many years which were enjoyable ones. She was a wonderful person inside and out. She was always pleasant and a joy to be around. I will miss her greatly. My prayers to her family and friends. I will cherish these memories I personally experienced with her for years to come.
Shonette Jeffries
November 16, 2016
Ms. Donna, your presence alone would instantly light up any room you entered, and your smile was simply contagious. I was saddened to hear of your passing, yet happy that you are now resting. You will truly be missed. *hugz*
Howard Soldan
November 16, 2016
Mike and Kelly
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Howard and Sheri
Patick Kelley
November 16, 2016
Worked several years with Donna at CMHA. Will miss her smile, that she always had, everyday, and any every time I saw her! Rest in peace Donna.
Showing 1 - 29 of 29 results
Make a Donation
in Donna Wiggins's name
Memorial Events
for Donna Wiggins
Nov
17
Nov
18
Nov
18
How to support Donna's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Donna Wiggins's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
