Donna M. Niester

Donna Marie Niester, 67, of Fort Gratiot, died Sunday, October 6, 2024 at home surrounded by her family after a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born November 2, 1956 in Mt. Clemens to the late Gerald and Beverly Niester and was raised at Sugarbush Ranch where she enjoyed showing horses.

Donna was Chief Executive Officer of Acheson Ventures and Trustee of the James C. Acheson Foundation since 2000. Before joining Acheson Ventures, she was a partner with Austin, Niester, Schweihofer & Finnegan PC. She had been a Michigan Certified Public Accountant for over 40 years.

Donna put her family first. She had an amazing gift of hospitality and used it to celebrate birthdays, holidays and almost any reason to get together and have good food and fun. Donna loved sending cards with words of encouragement and assurances of her love and care. She believed in giving her time and talents to serve the community and her neighbors wherever she could. Over the years, she chaired many boards and contributed to many organizations supporting her charitable passions. She was the first woman Board chair of the Community Foundation of St. Clair County; a Director of Eastern Michigan Bank; past Trustee of the McLaren Port Huron Hospital Board of Directors and chairperson of the hospital Audit Committee; first woman president of Port Huron Golf Club; was recognized by Crain’s Business magazine in its 100 Most Influential Women issue in 2016; was elected to the state board for the Council of Michigan Foundations; and received a 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Community Foundation and 2024 Spirit of Port Huron Award from the City of Port Huron.

Donna is survived by her sister Sherrie (Kevin) Sheehan of Ohio and her brother, Gerald (Lisa) Niester II of Rochester Hills; her nieces & nephews, Nicholas, Rebecca and Timothy Sheehan, Katelynn and Spencer Martin, Dr. Amanda and Eric Marshall and Gerald III and Annalisa Niester; her grand nieces and nephews, Ford and Isla Martin, Elliot Marshall and Julianna Niester; and her beloved partner for over 17 years, Brian Harris.

The family will receive friends from 2-9 PM on Wednesday, October 9 in the Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home, 1720 Elk Street, Port Huron. A Scripture service and time of sharing will be held at 6:00 PM. Wednesday in the funeral home.

The Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM Thursday, October 10, 2024 in St. Edward on the Lake Catholic Church, 6945 Lakeshore Road, Lakeport with the Reverend Lee Acervo officiating.

The Rite of Committal will follow at Lakeside Cemetery, Port Huron. Honorary pallbearers will be Randy Maiers, Will Oldford, Dave Brown, Mike Delong, Mark Hanton and Jeff Green.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Donna M. Niester Fund c/o the Community Foundation of St. Clair County (500 Water Street, Port Huron MI 48060)Donna M. Niester Fund c/o the Community Foundation of St. Clair County.

To send condolences, visit karrersimpson.com.