Donna Marilyn Ryder

Donna Marilyn Ryder

North Branch - Donna Marilyn Ryder, born Carol Sonia Polczynski on December 6, 1927 in Detroit, Michigan. For most of her adult life, she resided in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. For the last 2 1/2 years, she resided in North Branch, Michigan with her grandson Travis, his wife Michelle and their three children who all cared for her. The "GMA Project" (her loving text name) was a family victory as she died peacefully at home on October 29, 2018.

Donna attended Baldwin High School (1945) and graduated from Michigan State College (1949) with a degree in Speech and Communications. She married George R. Ryder on September 12, 1947, who predeceased her in 2004.

Donna discovered early that the theater was her passion. Starting in high school at Cranbrook Youth Theater and then college, she earned the lead in most productions for which she auditioned. She was a member of The Village Players and St. Dunstan's Theater for many years. From the ingenue to the experienced actress, Donna's inner star shone brightly.

During her many years in the Birmingham area, she enjoyed decorating and remodeling 8 different homes. Her years of tennis and paddle tennis at Orchard Lake Country Club provided great joy and many friendships. Donna was also a member of The Village Club.

Survivors include: children, George (Gail) Ryder, Katherine Ryder (Brad) Purcell; grandchildren Travis (Michelle) Ryder, Cody (John) Ryder, Julia (Simon) Purcell, Luke Purcell, Aven (Tom) Purcell, Dylan (Jessica) Box, Oliver (Anthony) Box; great-grandchildren, Steven, Maya, Kaleb, Isabelle, Dominic, Goldie.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Church Cranbrook on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 2:00 pm.