Dona Mae Anderson

Born in 1937 in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, Dona was the eldest child of Orin LeVan and Elsie E. Rogers, both of Wisconsin. In 1947 the family re-located to Gainesville, TX. Dona became a bit of celebrity when she and her father joined the Gainesville Community Circus, performing a thrilling father/daughter trapeze act.

After graduating from high school in 1955 Dona attended Texas Woman's University in Denton, TX. she graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. After graduation she moved to Los Angeles, CA and worked in Pediatrics at Orthopedic Hospital in LA until she met and married Charles (Chuck) Edward Anderson and moved to Orange County CA in 1964.

After settling in Anaheim, CA and giving birth to her first child, Dona began her 39 year career as a Pediatric Registered Nurse at St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton, CA. She eventually moved to Fullerton after the death of her husband in 1996. She retired from St. Jude in 2004.

Dona was an avid reader with an impressive collection of books and a special passion for Reader's Digest. She was hooked on solving sudoku puzzles and played daily. She enjoyed going to baseball games and loved her California Angels. In later years her children introduced her to hockey and she became a devoted Anaheim Ducks fan. In 2007 she got to experience in person the thrill of her team winning the Stanley Cup. She was known as Scott Niedermayers biggest fan and could always be seen around The Pond in her #27 jersey.

After moving to Fullerton Dona became an active member of Fullerton First United Methodist Church, receiving her Certificate of Membership on March 12, 2000. She faithfully attended church services and Sunday School, and often used her car to pick up other members who could no longer drive.

Dona continued to keep in touch with her dear college/nursing friends. They got together often for game nights, dinners and concerts, and took many fun filled trips including a wonderful trip to Kauai.

Dona is survived by her three children, Sonja Mae Nguyen, Wendy Sue Smith and Donald LeVan Anderson, as well as her brother Donald Ray Rogers.

Often described as feisty with a kind heart and an easy laugh, Dona's death was unexpected and a heartbreaking shock to her friends and loved ones. A memorial service will be held at Fullerton First United Methodist Church 114 North Pomona Avenue in Fullerton on Saturday, April 9th at 2:00 pm. The family requests that in place of flowers donations be made in Dona's name to City of Hope or CHOC.

"Crying is a way your eyes speak when your mouth can't explain how broken your heart is"