Donna Jean Spaan, beloved child of Cornelius and Marie Spaan, died peacefully on September 17 at age 92. Born in Lynden, WA, she attended Calvin College and graduated with honors from the University of Michigan. A dynamic teacher, she inspired hundreds of students at Grand Rapids Christian High, delighting in them as individuals and encouraging their abilities. At the U of M and later in London, England, she excelled on stage and off as actor and director. Returning to the states, she directed the Semester in Chicago program for the Reformed and Christian Reformed colleges in North America arranging student internships and cultural experiences throughout the city. Before leaving Chicago, she was asked to evaluate theatre productions for the city. Over the next eight years, she reviewed close to 2,000 plays.

Throughout her life, Donna demonstrated a brilliant and inquiring mind, reading widely in literature, art, psychology, and theology…7,000+ books lined her shelves. She leaves treasured friends in every place she has lived, most recently in Raybrook Estates II and Assisted Living. Their warmth and graciousness contributed immeasurably to the richness of her life. Through all these changes, her love of art and her reflections on worship shaped her faith. Church of the Servant, with its emphasis on Christ-centered liturgy, fed her soul. As part of Donna's legacy, she is endowing an art collection at Calvin University entitled "Light: God's Eternal Presence," a moving expression of her love for her Lord and the continuing work of Spirit.

A memorial service will be held at the Raybrook Manor Chapel on September 29 at 1:30 p.m. Gifts in her honor should be designated for the Donna Spaan Art Collection at Calvin University.