Donna Stedman
Graveside service for friends and family to be held April 27, 2012 at 12 noon, Greenacres Memorial Park, Ferndale, Washington. Reception to follow at Tillicum House in Pioneer Park,
2649 Delta Ring Road, Ferndale, Washington.
Donna Stedman, age 62 of Bellingham, passed away on Wednesday, April 11th under the wonderful care of Whatcom Hospice House.
Although Donna lived most of her life in Bellingham, she spent part of her childhood in Skagit county. Donna’s life of many enjoyments began when she moved to 2412 Franklin St, and through the years it became the location for many family gatherings, summertime parties, and many champagne corks launched from the porch.
Everyone knew her arrival with the “roar of the big block 4 speed Monte Carlo her "PRIDE 'N JOY“. Or if she chose to, she would ride her Honda motorcycle “which she purchased when women didn’t commonly do in that era”.
Donna was an independent person, doing all the repairs and remodeling on her home, and taking great pride in her gardens, expanding the beauty each year. Donna’s love of the outdoors grew stronger as she got older. She loved nothing more than having her truck loaded and ready to go for the “Spur of the Moment Road Trip”. Donna loved camping. No one knows how she fit all that stuff in her truck for the camping trips, but she always managed.
Fishing was her motivation. It seems as though the days there was fishing, she was ready and off to the lake or river. On days of no fishing, she rested and planned for the next trip. Donna was also a huge Nascar fan spending many Sundays watching the race and texting how her man Dale Jr. number 88 was doing. Donna had many favorite places and things to do, but to name a few; fishing Lake Padden , salmon fishing the Skagit River, camping at Sauk River, road trips to the Hood Canal to visit family and friends, and getting ready for camp Run-A-Muk where ever it may be.
Her love for animals was amazing; “Oh My Goodness”. She was always there to take in stranded animals that needed her love and care. It started with "Tiger" the “Famous Cat on a Leash”, then moved to dogs, our famous Tippy’s one and two. In recent years acquired the love of birds, NOT A BIRD, BUT MANY BIRDS!!
Her caring wasn’t just for animals. After working at Akers taxidermy and then Bellingham frozen foods for many years, she became an independent homecare person always sharing her giving ways.
Donna didn’t just limit her caring to work; she shared a kindness and loyalty to her neighborhood and was always there to help and share and do whatever they needed.
Instead of flowers please send all donations to:
Whatcom Hospice Foundation 2901 Squalicum Parkway Bellingham, Washington 98225
Memories
From Bev Bringelson
My dear Donna,
I will miss you always, words cannot begin to express just how much. You fought a valient battle and never once complaining or asking why this horrible disease had to target you. I am so sorry we didn't get the paper work done and things put down as you wanted. I love you soooooooooooo much and rip in peace sweetheart with your beloved Tippy by your side. Until we meet again, Aunt Bev and Jeff and Greg.
From Ron and Joyce …
Dear sweet Donna,
We will miss you and your ever present smile. You made all around you happy. Wonderful family reunions you gave, will always be fondly remembered. We watched NASCAR yesterday, Biffle won. I know you were cracking up. The day was not nearly as fun with out your phone calls filled with laughter. You are very special to all of us. We love and miss you dear cousin.
From Kathy & Clark …
Sylvia & Dan,
Our sincere sympathy to you and your family in the loss of Donna. May she rest in peace.
From Pat Clark
Donna was a strong & talented young women who left us too soon.
Auntie Pat, Vickie & Jack, Tom & Trina
From sylvia/sister
you left 5sisters and 2 brother behind;missing you my dear sis;
From sylvia/sister
you left 5sisters and 2 brother behind;missing you my dear sis;
From sylvia/sister
you left 5sisters and 2 brother behind;missing you my dear sis;
From Splendora Pape…
I am sorry to hear of Donna's passing. My mom Marie loved Donna. Mom wanted me to take her to visit Donna at home. The few times we were going to Donna was always out and about somewhere else. I am sorry I did not take more time to make the visit happen.
From Karen Ghio
To Donna's Family,
We will so miss our amazing next door neighbor; her kindness and quick smile always brought warmth and joy to all who were lucky enough to know her, she will be greatly missed.
Love,
Kirk, Karen, Riley and Lauren Ghio
From Perigo Family
Donna,
We have had the best neighbor for the past few year. Our boys have loved talking over the fence to their dear friend Donna. I will miss coffee on the back deck during the summer just shooting the breeze. Thank you for blessing our lives and befriending the new neighbors. You will be missed. To Donna's family she lived for you and will be with you always, our thought are with you.
Perigo Family ( the faces over the fence)
From Kari Diehl
I just wanted to send your our deep sympathies at your loss of our wonderful neighbor, Donna. She always kept me in stitches with her stories about how no one ever seemed to leave Franklin Street (for years she cared for the former owner of our home in her house ... I gather that she herself grew up in the house next to hers, and we laughed about how another wonderfult neighbor lived in our house, then moved two doors down). I think she enjoyed teasing me about how a neighborhood fireworks display almost burnt down our house (well, long before we moved there!). :D. I feel as if we've lost the heart and soul of our block ... our thoughts are with you all, who we know - from Donna's own words - loved you all so very much.
Kari Diehl
From Diane Demerice
We would like to thank our wonderful neighbors On Franklin Street for your tributes and kind words in person on behalf of our beloved Donna. They mean more than I could ever put into words. We will miss her always and I will miss all of you. Thank you so very much. Diane Demerice and Nathan, Donna's sister and nephew and her caregivers for the past 10 months.
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