Mrs. Donna J. Empie, age 75, of Cedar Springs, passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2010. She was born in the Upper Peninsula and was the daughter of Thorald and Katherine Leonard and moved with her family so they could find work in Grand Rapids. When Donna was 13 years old, her mother passed away.  While growing up, she was the caregiver for her younger sister, Vicki. Donna graduated from Creston High School in 1952. She married Gordon Empie and worked at Lippert Pharmacy and later at Rite Aid as a bookkeeper. Donna was the “hub” that kept the family together. By ear, she could play the accordion and organ. She enjoyed dancing, especially the polka, bowling in leagues, playing bingo, and crocheting doilies. Donna is survived by her children, Don and Lucille Empie and Ray and Chom Empie of Cedar Springs, Sue Liscombe and her friend, Olie Johnson of Harvard, Sandy and Bob Myers of Orrstown, PA, Pete and Pam Empie of St. Johns, Ruth and James Mulvey of Waterford, WI; 13 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; sisters, Vicki and Tim Chaney, Mrs. Leona Perry; nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Empie on August 6, 1997, grandson, Alan Joseph Empie, and great grandchildren, Amanda Empie and Marcus Empie. The service for Mrs. Empie was Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Chad White officiating. Interment in Elmwood Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the   Patient Activity Fund at Metron of Cedar Springs or the needs of the family. Relatives and friends met with the family at the Pederson Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
Arrangements by Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com