NEWS

Donna Heisler Van Vleet, 85, of Davidson, North Carolina, went to be at final peace Saturday, November 18, 2023. She grew up under the influence of the Great Lakes in Ohio and Michigan. Leelanau, Michigan held a special place in her heart. She was a talented contemporary abstract artist, among her other talents.

Her primary media was watercolor. In her words, “my images always began with a real experience.” Her art was featured in shows across the country. She won numerous awards over the years with the latest entry in a native plant exhibit in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

She started her teaching career in 1968 at Saginaw High School in Michigan. Donna continued her career at Big Rapids and Grand Rapids schools, as well as in Lander, Wyoming. She taught art, English, speech, and drama. She loved to garden and watch birds, most notably the hummingbird in her later years. Reading brought her many hours of joy, as well as writing poetry.

She always wanted to give of her time and talents in various ways. The most recent endeavor was working with Senior Community Connections in Davidson, North Carolina, where she lived during the later years of her life. The organization also helped her in many ways. She was a dedicated grandparent and loved her granddaughters, Ella and Tessa Larson, beyond measure.

The family is grateful to all those who enriched her life throughout the years, especially the Dominican Sisters in Grand Rapids.

She is survived by her daughters, Erika (Tom) Larson, Christy (Ken) Larson and their daughters Ella and Tessa, sister Patricia Quigley, nephew Paul and niece Jenny. She was a beloved grandmother, mother, sister, and an excellent teacher and friend.

If you would like to remember her beyond prayers, please consider a gift to the Charlotte Rescue Mission or http://www.ramsey-young.comInternational Indian Treaty Council, both causes she supported in her lifetime.

Friends & family may share memories or leave condolences on her funeral home tribute wall or at this link.