Obituary of Donna J. Smith

Donna J. Smith, born Donna Jean Dubose on 10/22/58 in Eden Hospital in Castro Valley, CA to Lola Dubose and Wehlan Dubose. Donna was the middle of three daughters growing up in Fremont, CA. Donna graduated from American High School in 1976.

Donna was always very artistic and crafty girl growing up.  She helped Mom (elementary school librarian) decorate the entire library for each holiday and for each season, often designing the decorations herself.  She cut out and decorated hundreds of colored construction paper book marks for the school kids to have when checking out their books. 

Donna looked forward to receiving her “craft by mail” box each month. Never knowing what was coming in those little brown boxes, she loved all things arts and crafts and often embellished the crafts to be prettier and more special than boxed.  So many of her masterpieces were displayed throughout our childhood home.  Our favorites being a set of clothespin Christmas tree ornaments painted and outfitted as a doctor, cowboy, drummer boy, and sailor. Those 50+ year old pins hang on our family Christmas tree today. 

Donna also loved and shared her passion for gardening with our Mom.  There were never enough pots, dirt or places in the ground to satisfy their desire for more “pretties.” Our yard, a jungle…a pretty jungle. 

Not long after graduating, Donna met and married Jeff Smith and they relocated to Loomis, CA where Donna embarked on what would become her near lifelong job at Roseville Hospital (which would later become Sutter Roseville Medical Center) in the ER Admitting.  Donna loved her job and moreover loved the hospital friends and co-workers she met along the way.  It would be a job Donna held for 40 years. 

During that time, Donna developed many lifelong friendships with whom she shared her uniquely funny, (often unfiltered), but always loving, generous and thoughtful heart and soul.  Donna was adored by all who knew her. If there was a party or a project, Donna was there to help out and make it special and decorative.

It was at Roseville Hospital where Donna met her BFF, Susie Penner, (for whom Donna was covering while Susie was on maternity leave.)  They became fast and best forever friends and shared over 40 years of adventures including all of the good, bad, happy and sad times that life had to offer…always by each other’s side. They traveled near and far enjoying all the beauty of nature, soaking in beautiful sunsets and collecting all the rocks and crystals they could carry all along the way.  A top favorite being Multnomah Falls.

Donna spent years expanding her arts and crafts.  For years making the most amazing personally constructed one of a kind holiday cards along with beading, rock painting and photographing of all things beautiful, sparkly and shimmery.  Oh, how Donna loved sparkly things.

Donna and her other BFF, Cynthia Wynn shared many decades of fun and adventures, including trips to Sedona AZ, where Donna fell in love with Sedona and all its beauty. Donna decided Sedona is where she would retire. 

Twists of life, timing and fate expedited Donna’s move to AZ, ahead of retirement, but where Donna was welcomed into another wonderful hospital family at Verde Valley. Donna spent her last four years making new and wonderful friendships and working in ER Admitting. 

Another awesome adventure was celebrating Donna’s birthday bash in Maui. Donna, Jacquie and I enjoyed a very special week in Maui celebrating Donna’s big 6-OH! We enjoyed painting, playing cards, fruity beverages, sunsets, snorkeling, helicopter ride, special meals and shared an unforgettable week celebrating Donna.  What a trip!

Donna loved her on-line games, especially Words With Friends and Yahtzee.  She played Words and Yahtzee from people all over the world, chatting and developing lasting friendships.  Most notable is her Yahtzee family named, Party On! For the past several years “Pie” was a co-leader and beloved friend to her on-line family, offering her care, compassion, support, encouragement and sharing her unique humor with her Party On Fam. 

Donna is survived by her loving Sister Linda, loving Sister-in Law, Jacquie, her BFF’s Susie and Cynthia, the SRMC and Verde Valley Hospital families and her Party On Yahtzee family. 

Donna deeply touched so many with her one-of-a-kind heart and loving kindness. Her spirit will shimmer and sparkle on all around us, never to be forgotten. 

Rest In Peace, Seester and friend.