Donna Sue Cannata

Raised in Overland Park, a suburb of Kansas City, KS, Donna grew up alongside her brother, Darryl. She graduated from Shawnee Mission North in 1964. From an early age, Donna’s steady, kind-hearted spirit was evident in the way she embraced the outdoors—taking numerous camping trips across the United States and developing a lasting love for animals and nature. Among the pets of her childhood, her dog Moe held a special place in her heart.

Donna built her career with Allstate in Los Angeles, CA, serving as a personnel manager. Through years of dedicated work and thoughtful leadership, she earned the opportunity to retire at age 55. In retirement, she found deep contentment in motorhoming and fishing with her parents and her husband—simple pleasures made rich by togetherness and the faithful rhythms of family life.

On September 11, 1982, Donna married her husband, Barry, in Cerritos, CA. A beloved and devoted daughter, she shared many motorhoming trips over the years with her parents and Barry, returning often to fish and camp at Lake Cuchuma—traditions that reflected her quiet devotion and the care she poured into the people she loved.

Donna’s home life was marked by gentle joys and attentive interests. She had a Scottish terrier, Candice Rose, for many years; Candice Rose traveled faithfully with her from Kansas to Texas and then to California. Donna enjoyed hand sewing and collecting small bear and other woodland animal statues. During the Olympics, she especially loved watching Women’s Ice Skating, keeping up with the athletes and their careers. At home, she could often be found watching Westerns—her favorite kind of television—while enjoying chocolate ice cream.

A long-standing parishioner of First Baptist of Cypress in Cypress, CA, Donna lived with a faithful heart and supported many charities that spread the word of Jesus.

Donna will be remembered as a loving daughter, sister, aunt, and wife. Soft-spoken and hardworking, she carried herself with a thoughtful grace that made others feel cared for and seen. Her love for family was especially evident in the bond she shared with her only brother, Darryl, her niece, Lucy, and her great niece, Natalie. Donna was also the keeper of family photo albums and mementos—treasures that will be held close for years to come.

The family extends sincere gratitude to Donna’s loving friends who called her often and prayed for her when she started to have health problems.

With faith and hope, those who loved Donna look forward to being reunited with her in Heaven.