Donna Jane Grove

August 12, 1949 – March 1, 2023

Donna Jane Grove, 74, of Portland, Oregon, peacefully passed away at her home on March 1st, 2023.

Donna was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan on August 12th, 1949 to Robert Jolly and Flora (Simpson) Jolly. She graduated from Inkster High School in 1967 and later moved to the west coast where she married her first husband Ray and had their son Vic. She later found love again with her second husband Brad, her soul mate.  She studied computer programming and later became her own boss by starting her own tax and bookkeeping business.

Donna did many great things in life, but the greatest was opening her home to kids in need. She fostered many girls over the decades and became mom to so many. She was the fierce embodiment of an untamable woman’s heart; a ferocious protector of those she loved.  She was a force to be reckoned with. She was broken and beautiful and taught those around her to keep moving forward no matter what because life happens. She taught us to keep putting one foot in front of the other, even if you don’t know where you’re going.

She had a passion for life and loved helping people and animals. She had a huge love of music and would sing karaoke at every chance she got. Hockey was the only sport that mattered and the Detroit Redwings were everything. At home she enjoyed gardening, reading, Sudoku and crossword puzzles. She had a great sense of humor and was quick to make everyone smile. She loved culture and travelling and being outdoors; just experiencing Mother Nature and all that life has to offer. She was stubbornly awesome in the stance she took in her truths and Omnist cosmological spiritual beliefs. Donna believed we were all connected and life doesn’t just end once we’re gone.  She always said “The only two things guaranteed in life are variety and change.” Her legacy of love and humanity will continue.

She is preceded in death by her parents Robert and Flora Jolly, and her brother Ronald Jolly. She is survived by her brother Richard Jolly, son Victor Podojil, and her daughters Danielle Spencer, Tara Grove,  April Shrestha, Kayauna Foss, Jessica Gray, and Lexie Lee. She has 17 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. She is also survived by 4 nieces and nephews, and 8 great nieces and nephews.