Donna

[Jan214]

It is with a very heavy heart that I bring this news to you.  Donna passed away at 4 AM this morning.  Johnny called very early and I know I should have posted this earlier, but there were several people Donna wanted me to call personally and I could not go against those wishes.  I am sorry for those of you who have not returned my phone calls but I tried desperately to get ahold of you by every means available & I didn't feel that I could withhold this information from the rest of the forum any longer.  It has been 12 hours or so since he called.  Donna passed away quietly in her sleep with Johnny by her side.  She is finally at peace and although they never allowed her to be in pain, I know she was very fearful at the end.  We all like to think that we go quietly in our sleep, but that is not how it always is.  At the end I know she fought to cling to life.  She is most definitely in a better, more peaceful, pain free place now.
I know none of you will be able to make it, but Cory and I will be going down tomorrow afternoon, the visitation will be tomorrow night and we will stay overnight for the funeral on Saturday. The videos they do now will be on a website and I will get that to you after the funeral.  Her obituary will be in the paper tomorrow and I will send you that link in the morning.
After much consideration, I have decided not to do flowers.  If any of you feel so compelled, I can give you the number of a florist down there, but I think donations to ovarian cancer research or perhaps a small scholarship to a photography school in Memphis would better honor Donna, but that is an individual choice.  Besides, Donna was allergic to flowers so.  That sounds stupid doesn't it?  I am all over the place & I am sorry.  If any of you would like to participate in something like a small scholarship than I will let you know what I can set up.  RIght now I can't think anymore and that doesn't have to be decided today.  Donna loved you all and this forum meant more to her than you can ever know.  It was her lifeline to the world, and it made her feel like she was not alone.  I know that she expects you all to keep fighting and win.  Towards the end she realized that she should have fought harder, but by than it was to late.  Don't let that happen to you.  If you are all agreeable I will print out whatever prayers and comments you all make and take it to her family tomorrow.
With much sadness, sorrow, and joy that she is in God's loving embrace,
Jan  

[Mary 53]

I opened this forum and all I saw was the title of this post, "Donna," and I knew. I just sighed out loud. A sigh of relief and sadness at the same time. Relief that Donna is now pain-free... and, well, I don't have to explain the sadness.

What a special woman she was. Thank God Johnny was able to be with her just to hold her and comfort her. It sounded as though they had a wonderful relationship, marriage, and friendship.

Knowing that Donna is at peace is a comfort... but it still does not make hearing this news any easier.

Thank you, Jan, for letting us know.

Much love,

Mary

[dawnlyn]

To Johnny and All of Donna's family and friends....My heart goes out to all of you....You have my deepest sympathies.....

Donna was an exceptional woman.....I will miss her....

Jan...Let me know about  the scholarship.....I am so sorry I am at a loss for words....

Love,
Dawnlyn

[TrudieC]

I've been constantly coming to the forum hoping to hear news and glad now that she is finally at peace and passed with Johnny at her side.  Donna was such a unique person - her humour, her wit, her compassion, and her beautiful photography will be so missed here on the forum.  

Donna, I will miss your friendship and I will shed my tears in honour of your memory and for the relief of knowing you are at peace.

Much love, Trudie

[Sharon2714]

Donna was important to me here in this setting.
She shared her wisdom and her struggle with me and
gave me a friendship I will never forget.  I think if we
look for Donna in the dictionary we will see a one word
entry: "grace."

Donna's passing, to me, is like the setting of the sun.
We know it is dark but only for a little while.
We will see her again in glory, shining brightly,
running freely, breathing deeply without pain or suffering.
We will know her in heaven and she will be there to show us the ropes.

I have so much sorrow for her family to have lost her
and I am grateful that they shared this beatiful spirit with us.

Love
sharon

[vegas2cr]

My world was a better place having known Donna.  We laughed together and we shared jokes and mischief...A piece of my heart is gone now...but never will it be forgotten.  I will not forget the lessons she taught me.. Grace dignity and beauty.  My dear friend rest in peace. I love you Ronni

[SimplyStar]

My dear Donna, you have gone from us now, to your final rest. It hurts us to lose you,  because of all the things you were to us. Each person has many gifts to share and you shared yours so generously.  My heart is heavy, with memories of happier times,  my tears start anew at another beautiful life snuffed out too soon.  Now spread your wings and fly where you wish, there will come a time when we will all meet, and be free to have total love and happiness forever.  I will miss you my friend.  Marty

[nyc lady]

I am really having a hard time writing something....I keep erasing and starting again.....I cannot find the words.

Jan - Thank you for being there for Donna and for sharing everything with us.  I know how hard it is to lose a friend.


Donna - you will be missed.  Thank you for giving of yourself and thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey.  You have taught us all alot about dignity and grace.  Rest in peace, dear lady!  You will forever be in my heart, Pam

[justscore]

As I type this through the tears I can't help but feel ANGRY and devasted at the same time...........
As with every passing I read about on this forum, I will plant a tree in Donna's memory as a tribte to a fight well fought.  
This morning I saw 3 deer and immediatley thought of Donna and was wishing her peace and freedom from the disease.  Deer in my area are rare and a treat to see....... Everytime I see wildlife I am reminded of her beautiful photographs.

Please send us the info about a contribution.  

Heidi

[PinkTissue]

I am so sorry to hear about Donna. I have been dreading for the news for so many days now yet when I read the news, it is with a sigh of relief that she is in a better, painfree world now. I am going to miss her wicked humour and missed her notes. She is going to be missed greatly.

[cirella]

This is the news that I have been dreading for weeks.  My mind knows she's in a much better place but my heart hurts.  Donna is one that I was hoping would go to Springfield so we could meet face to face.  I'm sorry she couldn't go but so very glad that I got to know her here.  

I would like to donate to a scholarship, Jan.

Love, L

[crybaby1961]

I really never knew Donna but followed her story for the last couple months.  She seemed to be one of those special people that touched the heart of many.  I know she's in a wonderful place now, enjoying herself and free of illness.  God Bless you Donna.

[fungirl1011]

Eventhough this is a day we have all been praying for, I am so sad.  I am sad for us that we lost such a wonderful person, but happy for Donna that she is now free of pain and suffering.  She fought such a hard battle, and she will be missed terribly.  I think that Donna would want us to celebrate her life, and to make sure that we are PROACTIVE in our health care.  Jan, please give my deepest sympathy to her family and good friends.  I wish that I could be there to honor her, but she is not far from my mind.  

Donna, I will miss you terribly, but do feel comfort that you will be watching out for all of us.  I hope you know how much you were loved and respected.  You are a ture inspiration to us all.  God definately knew what he was doing when he made a wonderful woman like you.  Love, Kasie

[Conquerer]

god bless and may god protect her family

[StillFighting]

sniffles. my heart to her family and friends.

[turtle221]

Dear Johnny & Family & Friends,

God has brought Donna home.  She is now pain free and we are thankful for that.  I only had the opportunity to have a few exchanges with Donna but I followed her posts and saw what a beautiful person she was.  She had a big, beautiful heart that had enough room for everyone that she encountered.  Thank God Johnny was there to comfort her in her last moments. Donna will never be forgotten by any of us and will always be in our hearts.  

God bless.

[ShawnP]

I am confident the Lord has embraced Donna with open arms and she is no longer suffering.  My heart goes out to her husband and family.  God bless you all.

[junamgen]

Donna you will be greatly missed.  

Peace and Love

jun

[Sandymac]

I simply cannot find the words to express my sorrow at her passing. I only knew Donna for a few short months.. almost a year,  yet I felt I had known her longer.. This was a post I knew I didn't really want to open, yet I'm sure she is at peace in a better place.

Jan, please let me know about the scholarship as I would like to contribute as well.

Donna, you truly were a beautiful soul and you will be missed terribly.

Thank you Jan,
Love,
Sandy

[marie3B]

Knowing this was going to happen does not make it any easier.  The world was a better place when Donna was in it.  I am thankful she is at peace and I pray that her dear husband will be able to find comfort for himself in the days ahead.  Love, Marie

[Laney8463]

Donna will be greatly missed. She was truly a beautiful soul and has found her way home now. I pray she is at peace now sitting at the right hand of God, smiling and pain free at last. I pray for Johnny and her family to find the strength to endure such an awful time.
God Bless You all
Laney

[ireneo]

I just couldn't sleep, decided to get up and browse the site. I don't know what to say because all the things I've said before seem too small somehow. There is so much in my mind and heart. Perhaps some day I will meet her face to face and then have all the right words to express how special I think she is. For now all I can say is farewell.

Irene

[JC145]

Dear Msjazz .. you will be missed.  Judy

[gah_70]

I, too, am having a very hard time coming up with the right words.  There have been so many tears today, yet I know she's where she will know nothing but peace. I feel almost selfish to be sad.  She was one of those people who draws you in and knows exactly what to do to make you smile.  She was a part of us all, and the best way I know how to explain it is to say it feels very lonely being on this side.  I'm praying for her family, and for all of us, too.  

Hugs to all,
Gail

[kimmywah]

My heart breaks for Johnny and Donna's family, but I am happy that she is at peace.  She was a phenomenal, brave and very caring woman.

My love to the family and a poem for Donna....

Life Goes On

If I should go before the rest of you
Break not a flower
Nor inscribe a stone
Nor when I am gone
Speak in a Sunday voice
But be the usual selves
That I have known

Weep if you must
Parting is hell
But life goes on
So .... sing as well

Joyce Grenfell
1910-1979


Lets sing for her.....Peace and love Kim