Donna Darlene Thoman

Donna Darlene Thoman, 94, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend died October 5, 2024 in Gresham, Oregon. She was born on August 19, 1930 in Bemidji, MN and was the child of Lawrence C. and Vivian E. Pearson.

Donna had many wonderful memories of her early childhood in Minnesota. She was born in Bemidji but also spent time in Dorset, Park Rapids, and Cohasset. She loved telling stories about ice skating, ice fishing and watching storms with her father. She also cherished times spent with her beloved Avenson uncles and her grandparents.

She often told us that she aspired to skate like Olympic champion Sonja Henie and spoke fondly of dresses that her mother and grandmother sewed for her patterned after dresses worn by Shirley Temple.

She moved with her parents to Oregon when she was 11 years old and was an Oregonian the rest of her life.

Donna married Fred (Bob) David Thoman Jr. on August 23, 1950 in Portland. Their love for one another was strong and enduring, and they were married 66 years. Bob passed away in October of 2016.

Donna attended Lutheran grade schools during her childhood years and graduated from Jefferson High School in Portland in 1948. She was a career homemaker and was a diligent volunteer for community service organizations such as SnowCap and Meals-On-Wheels.

Donna loved to sing, and she sang in school and church choirs during her life. She enjoyed singing duets with her husband Bob. She especially enjoyed singing hymns.

She and Bob had two children, Eric Fred Thoman and Jeanette Ann Davis. They were loving parents who cherished spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Donna’s parenting years were in Portland's Parkrose district. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother. Donna supported Bob in his career at Northwest Marine Iron Works and was always a vital part of her children's and grandchildren’s lives.

During their Portland years, Donna and Bob developed long-lasting friendships with former schoolmates, neighbors, and at church.

Bob and Donna moved to Gearhart, Oregon in 1985 for their retirement years and lived in Gearhart and Seaside until 2015.

Travel to the Hawaiian island of Kauai was one of Donna and Bob's favorite activities. For almost 28 years, she and Bob spent several weeks a year at Mokihana of Kauai, often with family and friends. Also, Bob, Donna and family traveled yearly to Disneyland in Anaheim, CA for many years during his son Eric and daughter Jeanette’s youth. Travel provided treasured memories for Bob, Donna and family.

Of great importance in Donna’s life was her Christian faith community. Her faith was nurtured by Lutheran Church communities during her childhood years in Minnesota and her spiritual growth continued by being part of Trinity Lutheran in Portland, Resurrection Lutheran in the Parkrose district, Our Saviour’s Lutheran in Seaside, Our Savior’s Lutheran in Lake Oswego and Trinity Lutheran in Gresham.

Donna endured many health challenges. She battled colon cancer with radiation and chemotherapy treatments followed by surgery. She broke both hips, ribs and her wrist and had roughly 14 surgeries on her eyes. She was completely blind at the end of her life. Donna faced these challenges with strength, courage and an amazingly positive outlook.

She lived her last 6 years at Carlsberry Place Adult Care Home in Gresham, Oregon. Our family appreciates the excellent care Donna received from her loving caregivers Emilia, Betty and Ana at Carlsberry Place. We also appreciate visits from lay and clergy ministers of Trinity Lutheran Church, Gresham who provided Spiritual care. In addition, we value the care received from her primary care physician Sunita Deshmukh, MD and staff from Tenderly Hospice.

Donna is survived by her brother David Pearson (Norm) of Lyle, WA; son, Eric Fred Thoman (Mary) of Olympia, WA; her daughter Jeanette Ann Davis (Rick) of Warrenton, OR; grandchildren Chad Davis (Karri), Heidi Terese, Todd Davis, Matthew Davis (Hannah) and Emily Thoman and great grandchildren Connor, Carson, Dominic, Gavin, Bella and Maisie.

Donna lived a full and meaningful life, leaving behind cherished memories with all who knew her. She will be remembered for her faith in Jesus, resilience, warmth, and the love she shared with family and friends.

One of our last communications with Donna focused on the 23rd Psalm. As we slowly read aloud the verses, Donna recited the psalm from memory. When we completed the final verse, she did not stop and continued to repeat the words “..and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” for some time.

Anyone who visited Donna in her later years would hear her say “God be with you!” and or “Angel wings around you!” upon departure.

Angel wings around you Donna, Mother, Mommy, Grandma, Grammy and GG. You touched the lives of many with your generous heart and unwavering spirit. Your faith in Jesus was an inspiring witness to us all. Words cannot express how much we will miss you.

A private burial is being held at Skyline Memorial Gardens in Portland.