Mrs. Donna Jo Ann Peterson Santos

      If anyone ever cared, really cared for someone else it would have to be Mrs. Donna Jo Ann Santos. She was a warm hearted and well liked individual, and these wonderful traits came easily to her because she was such a sociable and amiable person, someone who was always making certain that those around her had whatever they needed. Donna was a talkative person who was tactful at all times but typically said what she meant.

       She was the daughter of Clifford and Verna (Iverson) Peterson. Donna was raised in Minot, North Dakota. During her childhood she learned to be reliable and respectful. Donna was an obedient child who wanted to win the favor of others. She found it easy to show sympathy and to perform kind acts for others. These admirable qualities would become a part of Donna's personality throughout her life.

      Though Donna was frequently the one to initiate games and activities with her family, she was also quite often the family member who took the role of referee. Donna was a peace-maker with an ability to resolve all sorts of family conflicts. In fact, Donna worked conscientiously to keep those typical family spats at bay. Donna was raised with two siblings, her brothers, James and Mahlon Peterson. Donna and her siblings had the typical rivalries while growing up, but they cared deeply for one another.

      For Donna, the school routines were never a problem although she generally preferred variety to structure. She seemed to be able to start a project and work right through to its completion. And she was able to do it quickly and efficiently. Donna was also adept at details. Donna was very observant and was generally quick at picking up new things. She graduated from Grant High School in 1952. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was shorthand. Donna enjoyed going to Ya's and play Top Notch with her friends after school.

      There was one thing that all of Donna's friends knew and will still remember, and that is that she was a talker. She could pretty much talk to anybody about anything. This quality is one of the primary reasons that Donna was such a popular person throughout her life. But Donna was also dependable, loyal and trustworthy. Donna was the kind of person who simply radiated good fellowship. While she maintained personal standards and her own personal values, Donna was very accepting of others. With a distinct skill for working things out, Donna was often the person who would organize events. In fact, Donna was fairly comfortable playing the role of “host” for just about any occasion. When Donna made friends, she made true and lasting friendships. While growing up, her best friend was Jeanette Moore. Together they were known as the "Gold Dust Twins". Later in life, she became friends with Dick & Jo Krause, Wayne & Kitty Weatherbee, & Dora lee Hilton. Donna remained close with Jeanette and her husband Bob.

      Donna was a faithful and loving person. Some would even call her sentimental and a romantic at heart. Her kindness and consideration radiated an aura of warmth to those around her. Donna cared for what others thought and carried that into her marriage. On November 24, 1956 Donna married Lewis Gerald Santos at St. John's Lutheran Church of Sacramento, California. Compassionate and devoted, Donna worked hard to make her new life partner happy.

      Harmony was important to Donna and she made every effort to maintain it with her family. Donna was blessed with two sons, Mark and Gary. They were also blessed with two grandchildren, Sabrina and Preslee. Donna was always conscious of the feelings others had. She was reasonable and understanding. As a result, Donna was quick to solve disputes and did so without much fuss. Her secret of success in this area was simple: Donna would listen before she would act.

      Taking her work seriously came naturally to Donna, and she expected the same from those around her. Donna was a good team player, someone who was born to cooperate with others. She was what some would call a “people person” and it was demonstrated in her good communication skills. Donna was a steady worker, one who was realistic about schedules. The kind of details that would give family members and work colleagues fits were situations that Donna handled well. She could understand the details without getting lost in the broad “big picture.” Her primary occupation was working as a tole painting teacher. She also was as an arts & crafts distributor, and did tax preparation work. She taught tole painting for 10 years, and for 12 years operated her own arts & crafts distribution company. She brought harmony to her work environment, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done, while always maintaining respect for her colleagues.

      A methodical woman, Donna enjoyed spending time working on her various hobbies. She had no problem following all of the steps and instructions on a given project and was proud of the fact that she could have something to show for her efforts. Her love for crafts started with tole painting, but eventually quilting became her passion.

      Donna was one of those people who took pride in constantly putting forth her best effort. Nowhere was that more visible than in sports. Donna was always enthusiastic and a great team player. Donna also liked being a sports fan and enjoyed following her favorite teams whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were basketball (fan of the Portland Trail Blazers) and watching ice skating during the winter Olympics.

     Her keen interest in things that affected the lives of other people led Donna to become actively involved in professional and community organizations. Because she was outgoing and worked well with others, Donna did her fair share of volunteer work. And she wouldn't shy away from taking the lead on committees or events, either. She was a born list maker and was great at creating and sticking to schedules. Throughout her later years, Donna was an active member of the N. S. T. D. P. Quilting Club.

     Her high moral standards and traditional values served Donna well with her faith. Religion and faith were important to her. She was a member of Central Lutheran Church. She was well respected because she was such an outgoing individual who sought to help in any manner she could.

      Not only did Donna enjoy traveling, but she also seemed to enjoy planning all of those trips and vacations. She was a facilitator who could easily make up a near perfect schedule of all of the things to do and see. She rarely tired of going back and revisiting her favorite places. A Favorite vacations included her favorite hobby, "Conventions For Tole" a cruise to Alaska, Mexico & the Caribbean.

      Donna was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. For ten years she enjoyed the company of Buttons her Lhapso Apso.

      Since it was easy for Donna to meet and get to know new people, she quickly made friends, even in retirement. Once she met those new friends, she loved sharing stories and talking about the good old days. Since she was practical and cost effective, Donna was ready when that day to retire finally came in 1998. In retirement, she found new pleasure in quilting with tax time. She also did tax preparation work part-time. Even in retirement, Donna stayed in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled with the opportunities that retirement offered her.

      Donna passed away on October 16, 2008 at Tina's Adult Foster Care home in Portland, Oregon. Donna fought a brave battle against cancer. She is survived by her children Mark and Gary; her grandchildren Sabrina & Preslee; and her brothers, James & Mahlon Peterson. Services were held at Gateway Little Chapel of the Chimes. Donna was laid to rest in Willamette National Cemetery located in Portland, Oregon with her husband Lewis.

      Donna was a fantastic conversationalist who could engage just about anyone in a discussion. And whenever she said something, she meant it. Donna was a down to earth person, outgoing and gregarious. She was without question the type of person who enjoyed experiencing things first hand. She was practical and sensible, but what friends and family will remember her for most is the fact that she was so understanding and kind. Everyone whose life she touched will miss Mrs. Donna Jo Ann Santos.