Donna Hellman

1960 - 2017

Donna Christine Hellman

Albion

Donna Christine Hellman, age 56, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Albion, Michigan on July 4, 2017.  She was born in Evanston, Illinois, on August 30, 1960, the daughter of Robert T. Nicholson and Viola Nicholson White.

Her lifelong passion for learning led her to earn four degrees including a bachelor and two master's degrees of science and a JD of Law. She followed a varied career path that found her anywhere from University and state court libraries to collecting water samples in Chesapeake Bay to clerking for a Michigan Supreme Court Justice. Growing up in a musical family, she was a violinist since childhood and part of the family string quartet. Her children embrace the love for music she instilled in them. Books and language permeated her life from writing poetry and reading to writing law opinions and translating Italian. She was a horse fanatic, learning to ride in high school, and saving her allowance to ride every chance she got. Recently, she volunteered with her children at the local horse rescue. Nature inspired her to become an avid kayaker and bird watcher, activities she shared with family and friends. Donna's generous spirit, sharp wit, and determination will be deeply missed by many.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, and brother Neil R. Nicholson.

Surviving are her children: Brenna, Thomas, and Emily; her sisters Ellen (Sean) Savage, Lynn (James) O'Connor, and sister-in-law Rebecca Nicholson; nephews Kevin, Dylan, Michael and Colin; her fur babies Couscous and Momo.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 5, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Road, Albion, Michigan 49224. Memorial contributions may be made to Horse Haven of Southern Michigan www.horseha vensmi.org or Albion District Library.

www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com