Back in April of 2007, we posted the following in hopes your collective prayers would help
I received word yesterday that Donna lost her two year battle Sunday morning. I spoke to Ron after I heard and he told me that two weeks ago, the doctor told them it was time for her to stop the treatments and go home with hospice care and that is what she did.
Donna passed in her own home, the way it is supposed to be. She leaves behind her husband Ron and two sons Cody (22) and Casey (20) - I think I have their ages correct.
When we moved to West Windsor, I met Ron through Little League. We spoke but Matt was between Cody and Casey and we really did not get friendly for a year or so. When Matt began to play on the Legion team our friendship grew and that is when we got to know Donna better.
Donna was one of the sweetest women. She always had a smile on her face and could always coax a smile out of you. She loved her two boys - well three counting Ron who is just a big boy himself - more than anything and was always around for their baseball games.
The friendship grew and I really enjoyed spending time with them.
In the summer of 2004 they came over for a Bar-B-Que at our house and the Frozen Daiquiris flowed like Niagara Falls. At one point, our dog Rocky was brought over to 'visit' the dog next door. Rocky grabbed the smaller dog by the nape and was holding tight. Ron, fueled by too much Vodka tried to pry Rocky's mouth open and, unfortunately was bitten. He did not treat it and ended up in the hospital with an infection.
That New Year's Donna and Ron came over for one of my New Year's all-night dinner celebrations. The pictures here are from that night. We had a most excellent evening together and that was the night I learned of the tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day for good luck.
Donna with the evenings menu
I always put out menus as a souvenir of the celebration
all pictures can be enlarged
The next morning I opened the front door at about 9:00 am and there was a can of black-eyed peas on your stoop. Donna had driven over way early and left them for us.
The next summer is when she took ill. It really hit many of us hard. this was a vibrant outgoing most excellent woman. How could this happen. but she was also a fighter and the cancer went away after an intensive regiment of chemo and radiation.
Unfortunately, as you read above, the bastard came back in April of 2007. She started the regiment again only this time it was stronger than she was.
Her oldest, Cody graduated from college this past May and Ron told me she was so weak, she had to stay in the car until just before Cody walked the stage. Ron ran out and got her and she watched with pride, only to return to the car right after.
She will miss Casey's graduation and the weddings of both of her sons, but her memory will live on and on. Unfortunately I am not able to get to New Jersey for the memorial service this Saturday.
Ron has been President of the American Legion Baseball Club for the past 4 years. In the summer of 2006, right after Donna got ill, he asked if I would take it over as he wanted to help her with her battle. I agreed.
That October, I was offered the job in Memphis and because of my financial situation and not having a job in 20 months, I accepted (it has been a blessing for me in the long run).
There were no other people who were trusted enough to keep the program solid, so Ron continued on and still acts as President today. This is the team that Matt played on along with Cody & Casey and on which Matt is now Assistant Coach and after we spoke yesterday he called the head coach.
They are going to speak with the team today and back up their game on Saturday to a later start time. The hope is that most if not all of the team will attend Donna's Memorial Service in her honor in full uniform to show their support to this great family.
Please say a prayer for Cody and Casey and Ron for me today. As a few friends have said "We are in that time of our lives", but this woman was too young and should not have had to deal with this horrid disease.
Donna passed in her own home, the way it is supposed to be. She leaves behind her husband Ron and two sons Cody (22) and Casey (20) - I think I have their ages correct.
When we moved to West Windsor, I met Ron through Little League. We spoke but Matt was between Cody and Casey and we really did not get friendly for a year or so. When Matt began to play on the Legion team our friendship grew and that is when we got to know Donna better.
Donna was one of the sweetest women. She always had a smile on her face and could always coax a smile out of you. She loved her two boys - well three counting Ron who is just a big boy himself - more than anything and was always around for their baseball games.
The friendship grew and I really enjoyed spending time with them.
In the summer of 2004 they came over for a Bar-B-Que at our house and the Frozen Daiquiris flowed like Niagara Falls. At one point, our dog Rocky was brought over to 'visit' the dog next door. Rocky grabbed the smaller dog by the nape and was holding tight. Ron, fueled by too much Vodka tried to pry Rocky's mouth open and, unfortunately was bitten. He did not treat it and ended up in the hospital with an infection.
That New Year's Donna and Ron came over for one of my New Year's all-night dinner celebrations. The pictures here are from that night. We had a most excellent evening together and that was the night I learned of the tradition of eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day for good luck.
Donna with the evenings menuI always put out menus as a souvenir of the celebration
all pictures can be enlarged
The next summer is when she took ill. It really hit many of us hard. this was a vibrant outgoing most excellent woman. How could this happen. but she was also a fighter and the cancer went away after an intensive regiment of chemo and radiation.
Unfortunately, as you read above, the bastard came back in April of 2007. She started the regiment again only this time it was stronger than she was.
Her oldest, Cody graduated from college this past May and Ron told me she was so weak, she had to stay in the car until just before Cody walked the stage. Ron ran out and got her and she watched with pride, only to return to the car right after.
She will miss Casey's graduation and the weddings of both of her sons, but her memory will live on and on. Unfortunately I am not able to get to New Jersey for the memorial service this Saturday.
Ron has been President of the American Legion Baseball Club for the past 4 years. In the summer of 2006, right after Donna got ill, he asked if I would take it over as he wanted to help her with her battle. I agreed.
That October, I was offered the job in Memphis and because of my financial situation and not having a job in 20 months, I accepted (it has been a blessing for me in the long run).
There were no other people who were trusted enough to keep the program solid, so Ron continued on and still acts as President today. This is the team that Matt played on along with Cody & Casey and on which Matt is now Assistant Coach and after we spoke yesterday he called the head coach.
They are going to speak with the team today and back up their game on Saturday to a later start time. The hope is that most if not all of the team will attend Donna's Memorial Service in her honor in full uniform to show their support to this great family.
Please say a prayer for Cody and Casey and Ron for me today. As a few friends have said "We are in that time of our lives", but this woman was too young and should not have had to deal with this horrid disease.
Donna W.
1957 - 2008
Far too young
Donna E. W.
WEST WINDSOR — Donna E. W, 51, of West Windsor passed away at her
residence on Sunday, June 22, 2008, with her loving family at her side.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Mrs. W. had lived in West Windsor for the past 18 years.
Donna’s enjoyment was spending time with her family and being a “mom.”
She was predeceased by her parents, Paul J. and Jacquiline .
Surviving are her beloved husband of 27 years, Ronald B. W; two sons, Cody and Casey,
both of West Windsor; a brother, Beau F. of Columbus, Ohio;
and her mother-in-law, Joy W. of Sacramento, Calif.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Kimble Funeral Home,
One Hamilton Ave., Princeton, NJ 08542.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
1957 - 2008
Far too young
Donna E. W.
WEST WINDSOR — Donna E. W, 51, of West Windsor passed away at her
residence on Sunday, June 22, 2008, with her loving family at her side.
Born in Columbus, Ohio, Mrs. W. had lived in West Windsor for the past 18 years.
Donna’s enjoyment was spending time with her family and being a “mom.”
She was predeceased by her parents, Paul J. and Jacquiline .
Surviving are her beloved husband of 27 years, Ronald B. W; two sons, Cody and Casey,
both of West Windsor; a brother, Beau F. of Columbus, Ohio;
and her mother-in-law, Joy W. of Sacramento, Calif.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Kimble Funeral Home,
One Hamilton Ave., Princeton, NJ 08542.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend.
How tremendously sorrowful for all she left behind. Godspeed to her.
TRAVIS: Thank you so much
SONGBIRD: Thank you..it is sorrowful indeed.
Your post was a lovely tribute, Vinny. I am sorry for your loss and for her families.
STARR: How I had wished the post would have been to talk of her recovery.
Hey Vinny....prayers and hugs from me to you, Cody, Casey and Ron. What an sad sad time. May you all experience some feelings of comfort....somehow.
You know how I always try to find the silly, right? Don't be offended please...but is he holding her back from playing with your nipple?
What a trio of happy looking people! Treasure that picture forever my friend.
Sorry for your loss Vinny.
This is a tough part of growing up huh? Losing friends, and family as we become aware of our own vulnerability.
Ohhhhh Vinny, I am so sorry for the loss of such an obviously lovely and vibrant woman. We often ask ourselves why this happens...but in my heart I know for sure that the ultimate plan included this. Angels are sent to this earth to touch and enrich our lives...then they are called on to an even greater good. This is the case with your beautiful friend as well. I am sure.
My prayers and blessings go out to Donna's family and to you as well and to all she touched.
HUGS!!!!!!!
How very sad, I am sorry for the loss of your friend Vin.
JULIE: Actually, Ron was probably encouraging it...!
It is a wonderful picture and I will treasure it. Thank you sweetie
MICKEY-T: It is a tough time. We want life to go on forever and feel so untouchable, but then reality proves we are not.
LEELEE: Beautifully said ...thank you for your words. I know Ron has visited occasionally and he knows I will be doing something so these words are welcomed.
HUGS
Vinny. I'm very sorry for your loss. You write so sensitively about your friend, Donna, and her family, I can tell she's a great loss in your life. I will keep you in my thoughts today.
THETEACH: Mary I appreciate your thoughts...thanks.
i am sorry to hear of the loss of this lovely lady, Vinny. My thoughts and prayers are with you and her family.
((Hugs)) and prayers Vinny...
hugs and prayers.
There is always great sadness for those left behind. But her ever present smile now warms God's eart and inspires an angel's song.
She led a full life and touched many. Her legacy is great as evidenced by your tribute and the depth of grief you fee.
Some extra special prayers for the boys... there are few sorrows as great as when one's mother dies. They are far too young to know that grief.
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." ~From a headstone in Ireland
HUGS
Vin - I am so sorry for your loss. She was a lovely woman full of life who was loved by many people...obviously a vibrant soul. Thank you for sharing her life with us. Remembering you and her family in my prayers.
Vinny - my thoughts are with you on this tragic occassion. But it's obvious from the post the joy Donna brought to those around her, and you will always carry that with you.
Reality is a cold mistress - she proves daily that no one is immortal. At least in body. Donna's spirit lives on in her friends and her family. Nothing can take that away.
((HUGS))
COC: Thank you...keeping the boys in your heart is most important.
TUG: Accepted and appreciated.
ANNDI: She let a wonderful life indeed. It was way too short...and leaving her family so soon is a tragedy. Beautiful inscription. Thank you
Hugs
MIMI: Thank you so much
ANGELL: She brought much joy indeed. Thank you
HUGS
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. She sounds like an incredible woman.
My thoughts and prayers with are with her family - and you.
I am sorry to hear your sad news. It sounds like you had a wonderful friend, with good times to remember.
Vinny, I am so very sorry for the loss of your friend. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time.
I believe that Billy Joel, The Piano Man, said it best... "Only The Good Die Young"
That is so sad! We will keep Donna's family in our prayers. My boss' wife has battled lung cancer twice and she was never a smoker either. Every PET scan we all hold our breath so we can hold onto her a little longer.
May God lift her family up and let their memories comfort them .
Hugs to you too, Vinny!
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. Donna sounds like one in a million. I am saddened for her kids and husband. You wrote a terrific tribute to her. You should be proud of that.
God bless you and your friends.
Vinny-
The story is so sad. You did a fitting and beautiful eulogy. My heart goes out to her family and to you, my friend...
Very nice tribute. I'm sorry for the loss of your friend.
Vinny, I'm so sorry to read about your friends passing. I too, wish it was a different kind of post. My thoughts are with you and the ones who love her.
Nice tribute, Vinny. God Bless her and our condolences to her family.
The music, as usual, fits very well.
RWA: She was indeed...thank you
TOPCHAMP: Se will be remembered by many
CHARLENE: Yes, I know you do and thank you.
Glad internet is back
JUDD: Thank you for your words of support
BUD: I appreciate it my friend
BECKEYE: Thank you
MAGS: How sweet...thanks
FRED: Thanks bud...
Please accept our sincere condolences. We'd also like to commend you for putting together such a touching tribute.
GREG & SHERYL: Thank you for the kind words...
It sounds as if all who were lucky enough to have had Donna touch their lives are richer for it. Thought for her family will continue!
What a beautiful woman. Too young indeed.
Let me add, before any one chimes in, no it would have been no less sad had she been unattractive. I wasn't really speaking of her look so much as I was the sparkle in her eyes.
DANA: Thank you...she was so special
LU': Thank you and I absolutely knew what you meant...HUGS
ah Vincent...heavy sigh
the pictures reflect what great friends you all are. Sending you and her family warm prayers....
KATHERINE: TY for the sigh...They appreciate all of the warm thoughts.
Oh, Vinny, I'm so very, very sorry to hear of the loss of this clearly wonderful woman. My thoughts are with you...
Best,
Margaret