Dar and Barrel (Cheryl) wanted to send you condolences on the loss of your mom. Losing a mom is the hardest. I only met your mom couple times, but every time she was very welcoming, friendly and made us feel like family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. We send you virtual hugs and are with you in spirit. Words are very difficult to express our sadness for your loss. Love Isabel and Mike Rose

Donna was my good friend and I am heart-broken to lose her. For almost 70 years (since she moved across the street on Fremont) we have kept our friendship strong. As girls we played with paper dolls, ice skated, tried to ski and play tennis. When we were in our teens we took the train to Chicago and Winnipeg trying to act like sophisticated young ladies. When she got her red Mustang we drove up to the North Shore for a weekend get-away. In the past decade we met often for lunch to talk about our lives. I’ll remember her open heart and her laughter even when life handed her too many struggles. She took care of her family in any way she could and faced life with love and joy. She was taken from us too soon. I will always remember and miss my good friend Donna.

Donna and her brother, Pat, got kidded they were like twins because they were born only eleven months apart. They even shared bottles when Donna was born. But, she would also remind Pat that he took the bottle from her and threw it out the car window. The only time Pat every got into a fist fight was when the neighborhood bully was picking on his sister. The neighborhood kids and some adults stood around them cheering. Donna never forgot it, and would bring it up from time to time because she was so proud that her big brother had stood up for her. Pat liked to get Donna going. When they were younger, because they were born not that far apart, Pat had convinced Donna she was adopted. She was devastated until their mother assured Donna that she was not adopted. Pat found out that Donna could give as well as she got when Pat when he least expected it. Of course, I took Donna's side...what are sisters for! Her brother, Tim, was born long after Pat and Donna. Tim did not have to put up with the teasing or crap that Donna and Pat gave each other. They were not just close in their lives, but Donna and Pat worked for the same company for years and would see each other every day at work. They were always there for each other for most of her life.
Donna was not just my sister-in-law and friend, she had become as close to me as one of my own sisters. Through the years that is how we thought about each other..we were sisters that chose each other to be so. Donna and I first met when Pat, and I were dating. She had invited us over for dinner and I was so nervous as she was the first of Pat's family I would meet. There was no need to be nervous. Anyone that has been lucky enough to meet Donna knows that she is one of the friendliest people you could ever meet. My youngest sister told me the other day how much she has missed Donna's visits after Donna retired. When Donna took her daily walk at work, she would stop in to see my sister for a quick visit. My sister said she would make her laugh and cheer her up when she was having a bad day. When she was going through a rough time, Donna would give her advice that only Donna could give her. That was Donna...always willing to listen and help if she could. Donna knows how I am being around a people these past years.
If Donna and Pat did not hear from one another during the week, one or the other would call to find out why they had not gotten a call. Many calls took place with them on the phone and my comments being yelled loud enough for Donna to hear. Donna and I would send each other cards for no reason at all. Donna and I knew when the other needed a shoulder to cry on, when we needed a laugh, or just because we found some stupid, ridiculous card that we just could not help sending. She was one of those people that even if she was feeling upset, she would make it a priority to make you feel better. I will miss her laugh, the phone calls, the dumb jokes, serious talks, pep talks, and everything else that was our Donna to Pat and to me.
For many years, before Memorial Day, Donna and Pat would go out for breakfast together. Then they would go to the different cemeteries putting flowers on a dozen of family graves. It was their “just you and me” time together that Donna enjoyed and looked forward to each year. This year I made Pat take the camera and get a couple of pictures of Donna. The two of them joked about whatever one of them died first, the other one had to promise that they would bring flowers to their grave each year. So they made the promise to each other. Little did we know we would have to deal with that promise so soon. Donna, you will never be forgotten and the promise will be kept.

Love from your big brother and “sister”, Pat and Deb.

Donna, I don't have one memory growing up that you weren't a part of. I am going to miss you terribly. I know you are at piece now. All I ask is that as you look down on us that you help once and a while to get us through these times. Please Rest in Peace. Your Bother Pat