Donna Harrington

Donna Harrington was born October 14, 1950, to Charles and Norma (Stone) Shields in Eugene, Oregon, where she was raised as the middle child between sisters Lynda (Aller) & Dianna (Fedorko). Due to complications of dementia, Donna, 74, passed away peacefully with her daughter at her side on October 15, 2024. 

Donna attended Eugene public schools and later met the love of her life, Richard Harrington, in Eugene. They were married on Christmas Day 1971 and shared one daughter, Kristi. 

Donna devoted her career to working with young people in the education system, beginning at the 4J School District in Eugene and later in Coos Bay, serving both junior and senior high schools as front office secretary. Donna had a passion for helping young people navigate their teen years and her love for children was evident throughout her life. 

Donna & Richard also ran a charter fishing business, Bob's Sportfishing, in Charleston, Oregon until 2007. Donna had a gift for gardening and said she felt having her hands in the dirt was therapeutic. While she embraced life as a proud Oregonian, Donna had a passion for travel, especially after retirement, when she embarked on frequent adventures with family & friends. A particularly memorable adventure was a 3,000-mile drive cross-country to help Kristi relocate to NY with 3 pets in tow! Donna loved being in the sunshine and looked forward to annual family vacations to Mexico. 

Donna relocated to Millersburg in 2011 to spend more time with family. She adored her great nieces and rarely missed an opportunity to support & watch them play sports. 

Donna loved the veterans in her life - her father Charles Shields, husband Richard Harrington, nephew Kelly Seeley, and niece Pamela Harrington. Donna was an active supporter of veterans' causes throughout her life, with a special appreciation for Vietnam veterans. 

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Richard. She leaves behind daughter, Kristi Harrington; Kristi’s boyfriend, René Jabouin; her beloved Bengal cat, Trapper; and countless family, friends, & loved ones. 

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Donna's caregivers - Tisha Lee, Becky Burger, Ivanna Cook, and Michelle Hoesing - along with the compassionate Care Partners at Timberwood Court Memory Care and the Nurses & Care Team at Samaritan Evergreen Hospice. Their kindness will never be forgotten. 

A memorial service will be held Friday, November 1, 2024, at 1pm at Lane Memorial Funeral Home, 5300 W. 11th, Eugene, OR 97402. A private graveside family farewell will follow at 2pm. 

Family & friends are invited to a no host gathering honoring Donna at Papa's Pizza, 1577 Coburg Rd, Eugene 97401, immediately following the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Donna’s name may be made to: ABC House (Albany OR), Safe Haven Humane Society (Tangent OR) or Keitha’s Kittie Rescue (Lebanon OR)