Former Oxford resident Donna B. Coulter, age 95, of Lapeer, passed away on Nov. 9, 2022. She was born on March 29, 1927, to John and Beryl McComb. Donna is survived by her daughter Christy (Joseph) Henne of Drummond Island; grandchildren Meghan (Anthony) Henne-Kluessendorf and Neil F. Henne; great-grandchildren Violet and Timothy Kluessendorf; many nieces and nephews; lifetime special friend Barbie Kingsbury and friend / caregiver Linda Duby.

Donna spent her childhood in Lapeer. She loved school and her school friends, who remained dear to her throughout her entire life. She was a competitive athlete and thoroughly enjoyed playing basketball. Donna was determined to go to Central Michigan College, but funding fell short. She returned to Lapeer and was trained by the State of Michigan (State Home) to be an X-ray technician. This opened a new career opportunity. At the same time, Neil Coulter returned from WWII and his pre-war job at Powell’s Men’s Store in Lapeer. He purchased a plane and was flying air shows. Their paths crossed, romance followed, and they were married in 1948. Neil and dear friend Fred Conley left Powell’s and purchased Hadrill Carpenter Men’s store in Oxford. The name was changed to Coulter and Conley.

Donna had a very difficult time leaving Lapeer, but soon made friends in Oxford, joining the Women’s Club and working for the village office. In December of 1949, their only child, Christy was born. During those years she played bridge, enjoyed her dear Oxford friends and remained a member of Jr. Women’s Club.

In her later years she worked for Oxford Schools and thoroughly enjoyed her employment at General Motors. She was a secretary in the Engineering department at Truck and Coach. After retirement, she and Neil purchased a condo in Greendale, AZ and enjoyed winter months there until Neil’s death in 1991.

At this time, Donna converted to Catholicism. She enjoyed spending time with the Dominican Sisters in Oxford. Donna also became a member of the Northeast Oakland Historical Museum and enjoyed working as a poll worker for elections. She moved back to Lapeer, closer to family, and restored friendship with old school friends.  Remarkably, they maintained their friendship into their ninety’s, playing cards and going out for lunch.

A special thanks to her friends at Devonshire who saw her through some difficult times in her last few years.

Friends may visit on Sunday, Nov. 13 from 12 to 4 p.m. (3 p.m. Rosary) at Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors – Capstick Chapel in Lapeer. A Funeral Mass is Monday, Nov. 14 at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.  Fr. Brian Hurley will officiate.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lapeer County Community Foundation.  

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Donna Coulter