Donna Rosa showcased resilience from the day she was born. Her mother noticed Rosa had difficulties crawling, and a trip to the doctor led to the discovery of a hip injury from birth. A leg brace helped, but it kept her from participating in sports and playing with friends. Later in life, a Parkinson’s disease diagnosis would add additional movement difficulties. Yet, you would often find Rosa getting up and down, digging in the dirt, and traversing the trails of her favorite place: the garden.
Rosa was a master gardener, spending much of her free time tending to plants and flowers. She brought her passion everywhere she went, volunteering at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and the Grand Rapids Daylily Society — even using her green thumb to care for the gardens at her nearest community park.
“There was little that ever held her back — even if movement was hard, she always went on a walk, spent time outside, and found ways to do what she loved,” said Jackie Meester, a close friend of Rosa.
They met on one of Rosa’s many walks near the Grand River, a routine which would become tradition. Meester remembers speeding up with her dog to walk alongside Rosa, making sure they spent as many seconds together as possible, regaling each other with stories. Of course, the walks would end in Rosa’s garden, where she generously shared her flowers with Meester.
A Parkinson’s disease diagnosis didn’t interfere much with Rosa’s routine at first. She took things as positively as she could, Meester said, bravely facing the change in lifestyle. If anything was needed, Meester was there: providing support during recovery from surgery, an aiding hand after a fall, or simply bringing the calming presence of a good friend.
“Rosa fought for her independence, doing everything she could on her own,” Meester said. “I’m grateful for the moments she let me into her life, where I did what I could to brighten her day.”
When Rosa’s medication schedule became too much to track by herself, she moved to an assisted living facility. In addition to receiving excellent medical care, Meester said Rosa found a new community: It was a place to share meals with others, connect with strangers and find even more people who cared for her. The new home gave her time to meet with her trusted financial advisor and dedicate part of her estate to VAI’s Parkinson’s research.
“She truly believed in making the world better, and I think this was one way she could plant a seed for the future,” Meester said. “We both saw VAI as a place where individuals can hope for the better, and I pray my friend’s generosity can be part of that future.”
Rosa died on June 3, 2025. Meester visited the facility one last time, thanking the caregivers who watched over her friend. One of them asked where Rosa went to church, and Meester’s answer was simple: in her garden.
Support VAI through an estate gift
Research at VAI is supercharged by people like Donna Rosa — those who believe science and discovery will lead to a better tomorrow. The impact of her estate gift will support biomedical research for years to come.
There are many ways to include VAI in your estate plans, including naming VAI in your will, trust or as a beneficiary of your IRA. Planned giving ensures our vital work continues for generations, fueled by your legacy of generosity. Your gift doesn’t just support research and education — it has the power to change lives.
To learn more about planned giving, please contact Philanthropy Director Kate Frillman at 616.234.5515 or [email protected].