Donna Vowinkel was kindest person to ever be around, she always put a smile on everyone's face and made sure to keep a positive attitude to everything.

Throughout all walks of life, it is not uncommon to hear people talk about their mothers with high regard. They will speak of them being special, the best teachers to their children, the best wives… the best friends anyone could ever ask for. My mom, she was so very special. She was born in the 50s, and lived her youth, teen, and young adult years through some of the most pivotal and remarkable years of history. She was a true hippy and that stuck with her until the very end. She accepted everyone with open arms. Loved nature and believed in its power. Animals … with the exception of snakes, were held in high regard by her. There was never a time that she did not have pets to love on and care for. She never bought a purebred animal. There was always a puppy someone was giving away at the swap meet, adopted from a shelter… or one that my bother or I snuck into the house knowing she’d never make us take it back to an unknown fate. I gave my mom a hard time, but she was never mad at me. Not really anyway. She would put on a stern face but I could always break through it and make her laugh. We had the best times together; walking around the neighborhood, watching the same movies over and over, swinging ining on the front porch, playing catch or badminton, sharing recipes, listening to music and dancing, swimming, and calling each other almost daily. She loved us with her whole being and when we gave her grandkids, she loved them just as much… but they definitely got away with more. She only had a couple of years of seeing my kids everyday, but she definitely made up for lost time. Most of her grocery trips were really just to make sure she had treats and snacks for them: cookies, popcorn, flavored drinks, and candy. She knew she’d get in trouble for it, but it was well worth it for her. She has been my guide through life, whether I admitted it or not. She may be physically gone now, but all the things she painstakingly taught me will stay with me forever. I miss you mom

Unfortunately, I did not know Donna as long as most people. She came into my life only last year, but my oh my, what an impact she’s left on my heart. 

From the very beginning, she welcomed myself and my friends into her home, family and heart. She shared many precious memories and stories of her beloved Bill. The stories were so grand that I feel as if he and I would’ve been great pals. I truly enjoyed seeing the pride in her eyes as she showed me the many beautiful pieces of artwork she had drawn. I also enjoyed hearing about some of the crazy tales and journeys she had done in her past. We definitely connected about the motorcycle world.

When I first met her, she was “Donna“. But it didn’t take long for her to become “Mom“. 
She graciously embraced my “unique“ side. In fact, she coined and gave me the beloved phrase of “going down Smut Lane”. That is something I will forever cherish.

I’m very honored to have spent some precious moments during the end of her journey here on earth with her, Carrie, Maria and Jason.

Thank you for your love …. until I see you again Mom. 

Love,
Mick


Donna was an amazing person. She always enjoyed spending time with her family. She adopted us like we were her sons. She always made us laugh or had a funny story to tell. She was talented  artist and calligrapher. What we will miss most is her love and joy and warm hugs. Mom, you are missed so much but we are so thankful for the time we got to spend with you!! Love always, Jake and Evan

Donna was one of the most selfless, loving, caring and giving person we have never met. Her and Moose always opened up their home to us as our own. She treated and loved Toby as he was her own. From the moment I met her she welcomed me with open arms. She was always happy to see us and our kids. We truly miss her.  Love- Toby, Eileen, Brando and Aviana Lopez.

As a parent, I understand that our children are a reflection of our values and integrity.  I only met Donna briefly some time ago, but I remember her as a sweet woman with an easy smile.  Her son, Jason, I met in college and still consider him to be one of my greatest friends.  For three years he was may roommate, best bud, and partner in crime.  Jason is loyal, devoted, motivated, friendly, and easy going.  Donna will live in eternally in these values that she created in her son.  Condolences to the family.  

Grandma was very kind and helpful she had always wanted to help with everything. Anytime Maria or my mom had cleaned something or done a project she had always helped. She was always so creative and caring. One time for Christmas we were doing an art decoration and Leland, Cas, grandma, and I were all doing it she showed us how to do all of the words properly. I miss you very much and I always will remember how you were so caring and kind and I will make sure I live by your example.

May you be comforted with loving memories of your mom during this time.

Mike Mason - A car trip with Donna - Part 2

As we started up the grade, we were all chatting and speculating how beautiful Eileen was going to look. As we crested the first peak and started down the other side, it was only Bill, Diana and I talking. However, being my usual unobservant self, I failed to notice that Donna had dropped out of the conversation. I continued to bomb down the highway and we arrived at our destination with time to spare. When we got out of the car, I noticed that Donna was pale and visibly shaken. I told my wife that she must be carsick. My wife said no @#$% making an unflattering comment about my driving and said you scared the poor woman to death. My wife told me that Donna had grasped the back of the seat white knuckling the entire ride. It was clear that Donna was indeed quite shaken up.

Donna regained her composure, and the wedding was stunning.  Eileen was as beautiful as we knew she would be, and Toby was a handsome groom.  We all enjoyed a wonderful day at the beach.

Now the big question would Donna get back in the car for the trip back to our house. After some stern words from my wife and that look that only a wife can give, we loaded back into the car. I suggested that we take the long way around using the freeways and avoid the mountain road, but Bill said it was too far and would take too long (Bill did not like to drive after dark). 

This time I was much more reserved and used the turnouts frequently. Donna had taken her hands off the back of the seat but remained wide-eyed with her hand firmly clamped on the armrest for the entire trip. The trip home took considerably longer, and I received numerous hand gestures indicating that I was number one.

Although my driving had scared her to within an inch of a heart attack, ever gracious and kind Donna thanked us for driving and invited us out to their place for dinner.


We will miss you Donna 😔 your sweet nature and smile was so uplifting. ❤️ definitely miss my cookies and goodies that she would bring to us at the store. But most of all... her and moose where such a crack up to be around. Greatly missed 😔 ❤️  her friend, Wendy Tyler from Anza,CA 

Mike Mason - A car trip with Donna - Part 1

Donna Vowinkel was one of the most gentle and kind people you could ever know. She was always positive and made you feel good just being around her. Humble, quiet and unassuming, she was always quick with a smile and warm welcome.

Unfortunately, Donna’s soft nature leads to a very unsettling day for her. My wife Diana and I along with Bill and Donna planned to attend Toby and Eileen’s wedding. The wedding was going to be in San Clemente on the beach, a considerable distance from the home of Bill and Donna in Anza. Since my wife and I were going, I suggested that Donna and Bill meet us at our house in Lake Elsinore and I would drive us all to San Clemente. Bill and Donna agreed.

 The morning of the wedding Bill, Donna, my wife, and I loaded into our car and headed off to the wedding. The route was up over the Ortega Highway and over to San Clemente. I had worked in San Clemente for nearly 30 years and drove the twisty mountain road everyday back and forth to work. To most people the Ortega Highway is one of the most notorious mountain highways in California. To me the Ortega Highway was just the road I took to work every day.


Our hearts are broken forever. People tell us that in time the pieces will eventually come back together. If this is true, though hard to believe now, there will always be a space, The piece to which has your name on its place. Tears have been falling now for so long. When we think of your beautiful face, it all seems so wrong. You had so much to look forward to and so much left to do, But God needed somebody in heaven who is as special as you. Nothing is the same now, and we doubt it ever will be. You have been released from pain and suffering; you have been set free. Your story has touched people, all ages, near and far. On the night you were taken from us, in the sky was a lone twinkling star. Was that you to tell us that you had reached home now? And from life as we knew it, it was time for you to take your final bow. We miss your voice, your infectious laugh and hearing you sing. Fashion you loved, and now you have new accessories - a pair of angel's wings. The world has lost a wonderful girl, a true and amazing friend. But maybe her goodness was needed to help and from heaven she needed to send. You are always around us, engulfing us with your love, Giving us strength, keeping us close, and watching over us from above.

I met Donna when I was 19. She was so great and always let all of us jackasses hang out at her house and treated us like we were her own. I know she was not happy about me taking her son all the way across the country but I know she knew it was the right thing to do. She will be missed. RIP Donna

To the family, during the time I met your mother, I could see that she had a quiet strength that showed in her demeanor. She passed that strength on to her family.  Although, she has gained her wings, know that she is always watching over you all and is there standing by you with the strength. Rejoice in her memory and live the lives she wanted for you and your families. 
Sammy Austin 

Donna was sweet, kind, gentle and selfless. I met Donna for the first time when I was only seventeen years old. While meeting the woman who would later become your mother-in-law is normally a nerve-racking situation, it was the complete opposite with Donna. She was so warm and welcoming! I remember her asking me if I was hungry and offering to make me a meal, we sat on the patio drinking sun tea and getting to know each other. Donna absolutely adored her family. Nothing made her happier than seeing her kids and grandkids. I can still see her rushing out the front door with a big smile on her face and wide-open arms to greet Jason, Ryder, and I, every time, we visited her and Bill. She would spend hours in the yard playing ball with Ryder, watching him splash in a kiddie pool they bought for him or just following him around their property in Anza while he explored, collecting sticks and rocks, her keeping a watchful eye out for snakes. Donna was terrified of snakes! I’ll never forget her standing on a chair, screaming “SNAKE, SNAKE!”, as a harmless gopher snake slithered by. She was so thoughtful. She always had a little something special for Ryder whether it was a book they could read, coloring book and crayons so they could color, a stuffed animal, or some type of musical instrument. She loved crafting and wrote beautiful calligraphy. With Donna’s passing, the world lost a genuinely wonderful human being. For those of us lucky enough to have known her, her memory will live on. May you rest in peace Donna or at least as peaceful as possible with Bill around.

Letter to Jason and Carrie
By: Donna Vowinkel

June 1997

Always remember and never forget to be nice to other people, even if they aren’t nice to you. They will always know and remember you as a nice person even when they aren’t.

Whatever you do, do the very best you can do. You can always walk away, but when you walk away, know that you did your best.

Always remember that animals cannot speak for themselves, and therefore depend on you to treat them with respect and loyalty always and forever.

Plants and flowers have their place among us. Preserve and protect them always.

Children are precious, they are forever learning. Learning is knowledge, and knowledge is strength and confidence, security in finding answers and solutions.

Respect for everyone, the things they have done, the places they’ve been. Wars they’ve fought. Marriages, funerals, births. All the sorrows and joys they’ve been through now earn them your respect, without question.

Practice these things, use them in your life, and teach them to your children.


Donna was a very sweet person. Anytime we spoke with her she was always upbeat and positive. Even in her darkest hour she maintained that positive attitude. She was very thoughtful too. She always sent us cards for every holiday ... even valentine's day! 

She was also very talented. At Christmas she would send us lots of handmade items. Quilts, throws, potholders, keychains. You name it she made it! We still have those items today.

I personally enjoyed sharing books with her. She liked to read and we shared titles and authors and discussing what we thought of each one.

Donna is in our heart and will be missed for sure. 

Sandy & Rich 

Donna was a kind and gentle person who always saw the good in life. She lived each day as it came and made the best of it. She was a pleasure to be around. Donna was truly a beautiful human being. 
Our deepest sympathy to her family.
Mike and Diana Mason.

OBITUARY

Donna Lynn Vowinkel

June 21, 1953 – April 12, 2023

Wm. R. Chase & Son Funeral Home

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