Donna Jean Cushing

In memory of Donna Jean Cushing, a loving and supportive mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Donna passed away on Wednesday Dec 11th, 2024, but she will forever be in our hearts and memories.

Donna was born January 16th, 1945, in Inglewood CA to Roy and Esther Stutzman. She graduated from Dorsey High School in 1962 and went on to earn a degree in nursing from LA City College which led to a lifelong career as an RN specializing in senior care.

As a young adult her days were spent living in Manhattan Beach playing volleyball, living the beach life, and developing her love for the ocean. Here she would meet her husband Bill and have the first of her two sons Michael. Bill and Donna later moved to Omaha, NE where they would welcome their second son Mark. In 1976 the family moved to Colorado to raise their boys in the mountains outside of Conifer. Bill and Donna eventually divorced but continued to raise their boys together and remained in close contact up until Donna's passing.

After 13 years in Colorado Donna's sons were grown and she chose to return home to California where she would find her true love Dana Point! She lived in Silvertide at Bear Brand for 31 years where she made lifelong friends and cherished memories. A perfect day for Donna might have included "coffee mate" with neighbors in the morning, kayaking at the harbor, a walk at the Strand or Salt Creek beach, attending a concert in the park, viewing a boat parade, enjoying happy hour at Coyote Grill, or sharing a sunset with friends or loved ones.

Donna's other loves were her two cats, Sunset and Phantom, named after her favorite plays, Sunset Blvd and Phantom of The Opera, and her love of sports. Donna was extremely athletic and played tennis, softball, and golf throughout her life. When her playing days were over she became an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching basketball, golf and of course tennis! Donna played tennis in college and was a huge fan of Roger Federer and when Wimbledon or the US Open were on TV, Donna was rarely heard from.

In retirement Donna enjoyed spending her summers in Colorado staying at her condo in Keystone. There she made many friends and enjoyed summer festivals, boat rides on Lake Dillon, and concerts at the Dillon amphitheater. This also allowed her to spend quality time with her son's families, enjoying weekend BBQs, celebrating birthdays and watching her grandchildren compete in gymnastics and baseball.

Donna is survived by her two sons Michael (Kerry) Cushing, Mark (Kerri) Cushing, her grandchildren, Kayla Cushing, Evan Cushing and Bryndon Jackson and her sister Janet Soule. Donna was preceded in death by her parents Roy and Esther Stutzman

Family and friends were meaningful to Donna, and while we all mourn her loss deeply, we also rejoice in knowing she is now at peace and celebrate the life of a remarkable, strong woman who left an indelible impression on everyone fortunate enough to have known her. Her legacy of kindness and generosity will continue to inspire us all.

Join us in celebrating the life and memory of Donna Cushing on Saturday January 18th at Jimmy's Tavern in The Dana Point Harbor.

Donnas family and friends will gather from 2-4 pm, in The Library Room in an Open House format to share memories, view photos, and celebrate having Donna in our lives.

Food and refreshments will be provided so if you plan to attend please rsvp so we can provide an approximate guest count.

RSVP

Email: mcushing69@gmail.com

Text: 970.389.7617

RIP Donna, we loved you dearly and will miss you greatly