Donna Helen Schmidt

June 21, 1931-September 19, 2013

Donna passed away peacefully September 19, 2013 at the age of 82, surrounded by her family. She was born on June 21, 1931 in St. John, North Dakota to John and Bernice Hesketh.

Donna worked as a buyer for Louver Drapes in Santa Monica until her retirement in 1989. Donna was a long time resident of Redondo Beach and spent her retirement years in San Luis Obispo, Desert Hot Springs and Torrance.

Donna loved her family and was especially proud of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed many years with family and friends creating memories while cruising the Island of Catalina on her boat, "The La Donna". Donna will be remembered for her love of family, friends, Frank Sinatra music and cooking her favorite entertainment food, homemade Taquitos.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband Roy Schmidt and is survived by her two brothers Dean Hesketh and Duane Hesketh; her children Jim Cowherd, Cathi Spear and her grandchildren, Brian Spear, Jessica Presley, Stephanie and Kimberly Cowherd and her great grandchildren Weston and Broderick Presley and Zachary Spear.

Services will be held Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Rice Mortuary in Torrance at 11:00 a.m. A private spreading of the ashes at sea will take place later that day.