Donna Mae (Telman) Lambers

Donna Mae (Telman) Lambers, age 90, went to be with her Lord and Savior on September 26, 2025. Donna was born on March 17, 1935. It was easy to remember her birthday since it was on St. Patrick’s Day. Donna grew up in Grand Rapids Michigan and was the only daughter of Henry and Hilda Telman. She was united in marriage on Oct. 25, 1956 to Howard Lambers. They were married for almost 64 years and she loved to tell the story of how they met on a blind date. They went bowling with another couple and really hit it off because when Howie came home that night he announced, “I’m going to marry that girl!”

Following her marriage, she moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan where she lived the next 69 years of her life. Her final months were spent at Green Acres in Fremont where they took excellent care of her. She was happy to be so close to her oldest daughter, Julie (and Chip) and enjoyed their almost daily visits. On a beautiful sunny fall day she passed peacefully in the early hours of September 26 and into the arms of Jesus. We will miss her but rejoice in knowing that she no longer has to deal with dementia or loneliness. She is with her Savior and has been reunited with her husband.

Donna loved her role as a wife, mother, aunt, sister, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She was content in being a homemaker and supporting her husband in his work. She loved baking every Saturday morning. Her children never had Hostess Twinkies or Cupcakes in their lunches. They came to school with carmelick bars, banana bread, chocolate chip cookies and the like in their lunches. She also loved to sew and spent many hours in her sewing room making clothes, curtains, runners, tree skirts etc. Other hobbies included gardening and yes cleaning. The family joke was if the vacuum wasn’t heard on a daily basis, mom must be ill.

During their retirement years, Donna and Howie enjoyed their summers at Timberlake Resort & RV Club in Mears, Michigan. Traveling to Alaska in their motorhome was also a highlight as well visiting Europe, Gulf Shores and Marco Island. Donna’s free time was also spent attending her grandchildren’s sporting events…basketball, track, volleyball, and soccer. Donna loved sports and at one time was an avid Tiger baseball fan and knew all the player’s names and positions. 

Donna was a charter member of Southern Heights Christian Reformed Church and later became a member at Third Christian Reformed Church. Volunteering “behind the scenes” was where Donna was most comfortable. She served in many ways such as in the church nursery and kitchen, greeting at church, preparing meals for small group Bible studies or those in need, assisting with Gems etc. Donna was always willing to lend a hand or a listening ear. Her love, support and smile will be dearly missed until we meet again.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Lambers; parents, Henry & Hilda Telman; brothers, Heinie & Gerald Telman; brother-in-laws: Paul Lambers, Charles Witteveen & Ted Zwiep; sister-in-laws: Tret & Esther Telman, Carol Witteveen, & Myra Zwiep. Surviving are her children, Chip & Julie Prins, Phil & Sandy Zwier, Dave & Jenny Lambers; her grandchildren and spouses: Ray & Janell Prins, Lucas & Kristin DeJonge, Eric & Kristin Prins, Dave & Kelly Janke, Ryan & Melissa Zwier, Katie & Allie Lambers; and great grandchildren: Joey, Hunter, Gabby Prins, Cole, Mia, Juan, Levi DeJonge, Harvey & Kent Prins, Raini Janke; a very special niece, Linda Roossien (and Lou), and her “second mom,” Anne Ritsema.

Interment will take place at the Graafschap Cemetery and a celebration of life will take place at a later date.  Suggested Memorial:  Kalamazoo Christian Schools, 2121 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, Michigan  49008.

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