Donna Louise Sorensen

Donna Sorensen passed away September 21, 2019 in Chico, California surrounded by family. She was born March 10, 1936 to Elmer and Gracia Rowland Grindy in Sauk Centre, Minnesota. She grew up in Montana, where her mother often taught in one-room schoolhouses, including several years in a Hutterite Community. She attended Highschool in Merced, California for two years, and then graduated from Livingston Highschool in 1954. She attended nursing school in San Francisco from 1954-1955. Donna married Donald Sorensen in 1957. They lived in San Jose, California until 1968, when Don's job at IBM gave them the opportunity to move to Boulder, Colorado. The family made many good friends and memories living in the foothills of the Rockies. In 1976 they moved back to San Jose, and later Don and Donna retired to Middletown, California. They moved to Chico in 1990 to be closer to family. Donna had several part-time jobs over the years, but her most important job was as a wonderful homemaker for her husband and children. She loved spending time with her many close friends and family and listening to music. As her children started growing up, she trained as an artist and painted many beautiful oils on canvas. Donna is survived by her husband, Don of 63 years; children, Marty (Lynn) Sorensen of Chico, and Julie (Brian) Reddig of San Jose; grandchildren, Jack, Will, and Cate Sorensen, and Alycia Alvarez, great-grandson, Logan; sister-in-law, Karen (Ted), sister-in-law, Dana (James), and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Elmer and Gracia Grindy; sisters, Ruth (Grant) Viertel, Lois (Vic) Reinemer, and Jean (Al) Halverson, and Brother, John "Jack" (Mary) Grindy; Sister-in-Law, Elaine (Sil) Dossetti; great-grandson, Julian Alvarez; and others whom she loved who died too soon. Donna was known as a beautiful, loving person, and she kept her great sense of humor through her last days. She will be missed by many! A graveside service for Donna will be held Friday, October 4th at 11 am at Chico Cemetery and a celebration of life at 2 pm that day at Bidwell Chapel, 341 West 3rd St., Chico. A reception will immediately follow at the home of her son, Marty.