Donna C. Bevacqua

Donna Clare Bevacqua, born August 22, 1922 in Longmont, Colorado, Donna taught elementary and junior high school for 23 years as a member of the Franciscan Sisters out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She continued teaching for eight more years as a lay woman. Many students in Steven’s Point, Wisconsin, San Bruno, Calif and Hanna Boys Center in Sonoma, Calif were enriched by her enthusiasm for the writings of Laura Ingalls Wilder and the art of Ted De Grazia, to say nothing of her talent at origami. She had a self-deprecating sense of humor and an infectious laugh. The family remembers her as a smiling person who always brought happiness to any occasion.

Donna was the loving wife of Richard Bevacqua for 41 years. Richard is a former worker with the Ventura County Alzheimer’s Association, and a current volunteer at the Ventura County Medical Center.

Donna was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 1996, when the couple was living in San Luis Obispo. They moved to Oxnard in 2000 when Donna needed to be placed in a nursing facility. She finished her long struggle with the disease on October 25, 2010, at the Fillmore Convalescent Center where she was given every consideration by the extremely dedicated staff.

Donna is survived by her husband Richard of Santa Paula; sisters, Mary Catherine Skomdahl of Long Beach, Patricia Seckington of Long Beach; sister-in-law, Marlene (Wayne) Lattimer of Ojai; sister-in-law, Gerry Seckington of Long Beach; as well as many nephews and nieces in the Los Angeles, San Diego and Florida areas.

The family has asked for donations in Donna’s honor to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 80 North Wood Road, Camarillo, CA 93010.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home and Crematory, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.

Condolences may be left at www.TedMayrFuneralHome.com.