Donna Jean Thomsen

Donna Jean Thomsen, born on March 25, 1939, in Rawlins, Wyoming, passed away peacefully on January 28, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and sincerity.Donna spent her early years in Rawlins before moving to New Jersey as an adult, where she formed lifelong friendships with Gloria Valentin and Barbara Hill. These bonds grew so strong that they became family to her.While in New Jersey, Donna met Gloria through their mutual friend, Alice Burns, and Barbara at the American Bible Society, where she worked. She never married but soon became "Aunt" and even "Grandma" Donna to Gloria & Barbara's children and grandkids. In 1982, when Barbara moved to Florida, Donna deeply missed her dear friend. By 1990, she decided to relocate to Madeira Beach, Florida, to reunite with her.Donna joined Barbara at Franklin Templeton Investments, where she worked until her retirement. In her later years, the pair volunteered together at Madeira Beach City Hall and were active members of the Red Hat Society. Donna's life was filled with simple joys-she adored raccoons, cardinals, cats, Elvis Presley, John Wayne, and Jesus. She was an avid collector of Coca-Cola memorabilia and found great pleasure in painting ceramics and cheering on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.She is deeply missed by her chosen family: Julie, Anita, Tony, and Andrew Valentin; Marina, E.J., and Charles Sisto; Nita Roman; Cathleen, Melanie, and Jamie Parra; Ivory Weatherwalks; Linda Testa; Edwin (Susan) and David Hill; Renée (David) Hicks; Michael Carre'; Patrick, Thomas, Joseph, and Steven Hill; Courtney and Brendan Grada; Michael A. Carre'; and Jace Decker. Donna was predeceased by Alice Burns, Gloria Valentin, Barbara Hill, and Tina Valentin.Donna's gentle and caring spirit touched the lives of all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those she held dear.

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