Donna Helene Emerson

Donna Helene (Biggle) Emerson of Caro, age 74, peacefully passed into the loving, outstretched arms of her Savior, on April 3, 2026. In the days before her heavenly homecoming, she was continually surrounded by her closest friends and her beloved animals. With exceptional grace and dignity, Donna faced nearly five years of incurable cancer. Donna was sustained by the care of the amazing medical staff at Covenant Health Care, led by Dr. Hussain, United Hospice Service Aspire: Rural Health System and the incredible support of her very dear friend, Sherry Karg. She valued them and all of her cherished friends that assisted her in every step of her journey. Her heart was filled with eternal gratitude.

Donna was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on July 19, 1951 to her parents Dr. Lloyd Biggle Jr. (April 17, 1923-Sept. 12, 2002) and Hedwig T. Janiszew Biggle (May 29, 1920-Sept. 3, 2005). She has one surviving brother, Kenneth Biggle of Adrian, Michigan. They spent their happy childhoods growing up in Ypsilanti, Michigan. After graduating from high school in 1969, Donna attended Eastern Michigan University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Library Science, Reading K-12, and Spanish Literature, graduating in 1973 with the distinguished honor of Summa Cum Laude. Later, in 1978, through EMU, she completed her Master of Arts Degree in reading. Furthering her education, she earned a second Master of Arts in teaching at Saginaw Valley State University in 1984.

Feeling incredibly blessed to turn her love and passion for books and storytelling into a lifelong career, Donna began a career in education, teaching in Hillsdale, Michigan. In 1979, she was employed at Campbell Elementary School in Cass City, Michigan, where she held the role of librarian and media specialist. She retired from Cass City Public School in 2009. One of her greatest joys was turning her library into real storybook settings; Narnia, American Girl, Dickens, to name just a few. She was instrumental in turning many young lives into lifelong readers. She inspired great creativity in her students.

In addition to Donna’s voracious love of books and storytelling, her talents and interests included: hosting gatherings, baking, crafting, quilting, adding to her many collections, gardening and traveling. She loved sharing time on her deck with friends and pets. She had an incredible ability to retain the details of all her friends' lives and the lives of their families. Through her, many of her friends became friends and if you were her friend, you were a friend for life. If you were an animal in need, you became a beloved pet for life.

Donna’s faith in her Lord and Savior was the cornerstone of her life. She was a prayer warrior for her family, friends, and those in need. She regularly attended Bible studies and surrounded herself in scripture. She publicly confessed Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior on September 14, 1997. Her baptism took place at the Caro First Baptist Church on September 21, 1997.

Donna’s celebration of life will be on Monday, April 13, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Ransford Funeral Home in Caro. Family and friends will be present to receive visitors at the funeral home on Monday from 5:00 p.m. until the time of her service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the following organizations that Donna supported: Cass Rivers Pet Friends, Leggo’s Animal Rescue and Sanctuary or World Vision.