Donna S Holdsworth

Donna Claire Smith Holdsworth was born January 24, 1925 and died May 21, 2014, following a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. We have faith that she has been made whole again, and has reunited with her husband K. Jay Holdsworth and her daughter Wendy Pearson.

Donna was born in Grace, Idaho to Lewis Calder and Veda Chambers Smith. Both her parents were school teachers; her father taught biology at North Cache High School. A year after her birth, the family moved to Smithfield, Utah. Donna had an older brother, Lewis Calder, and an older sister Mary Langton Smith Bankhead. Donna was aware of her heritage, and appreciated the many pioneers who helped settle Cache Valley.

After graduation from high school in 1943, Donna spent college time at both BYU and USU, graduating from USU in 1948.

A favorite quote from Donna regarding education is, “College gave me the confidence that I could learn, but education is a life-long process.”

Donna met K. Jay Holdsworth in 1947 at Bryce Canyon where they both were working summer jobs. They married June 15, 1948 in the Logan Temple. The newlyweds spent two years living in California while Jay finished law school at Stanford University. Their first Salt Lake home was in the Millcreek area; in 1963, in Holladay they built their dream home. Five children were born to this family, during a period of 12 years: two girls and three boys. Donna was committed to her family, and wanted their lives to be happy. She and Jay were blessed to know many people, in a variety of circles. They had dinner one night in New York City with Eleanor Roosevelt.

Donna and Jay served a mission at the Peter Whitmer Farm in New York State, and Donna’s church service brightened many church organizations, especially YW and Relief Society. She said, “What a blessing to live when the gospel in its fullness has been restored and to be a member of the only true church.”

Survivors: daughter Veda H. Hansen (E. Lynn), a son in law, John Pearson, three sons and spouses: David (Annette), Kevin (Jennifer Sorensen), and Gary (Deanna). Her daughter Wendy Holdsworth Pearson passed away in 2012. Donna is also survived by 15 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren.

Many thanks to the staff of Legacy House of Bountiful, and to Aspire hospice and nurse Dawnette Hurst

Funeral Services will be held at the chapel at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, on Tuesday, May 27 at 11AM. Viewing one hour prior to service.

Dona and Jay wanted to set up a scholarship fund for future teachers at USU. If you would like to contribute in lieu of flowers, donations may be mailed to the Veda Chambers and Lewis Calder Smith Scholarship Education Fund, University Advancement, 1420 Old Main Hill, Logan, Utah 84322.