Donna Elaine Feddersen: ‘Constantly in motion’

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Donna Elaine Feddersen
July 4, 1943 – August 12, 2021

It is with deep sadness that we share the loss of our beautiful and amazing mother, Donna Elaine Feddersen. She passed away at home on August 12, 2021, surrounded by her family, just two weeks after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Donna was born in Scotia, CA. The youngest daughter of Vernon and Georgia Hackett. Mom was proud of the fact that her dad got to assist in her delivery. She grew up on the family ranch at Howe Creek in Ferndale.

She attended Price Creek School and later Ferndale High School. She met her future husband, Larry Feddersen, who she married shortly after graduating in 1961. They moved to Scotia where they raised their three girls. After divorcing she moved to Fortuna, where she remained the rest of her life.

Donna worked as a pharmacy tech for Larks Drugs in Rio Dell and later at Cloney’s Pharmacy in Eureka, where she retired in 2011.

She was busier in her retirement than when she worked. She spent most of her time gardening, which was her passion and often said it was, “Some of the best therapy.” Her yard was a true reflection of her personality. She was constantly in motion…walking, tidying up around her home, or in her garden. She volunteered at the Fortuna Senior Center, was a member of the Swiss Club, and was an active member of the Fortuna Garden Club. Mom often joked about ‘working’ her corner at 11th and Main, referring to it as, “The barf and butt corner.” As a member of the garden club, she would maintain the street corner flower bed next to the Playroom. Her friends would drive by and get a view of her butt in the air as she did weeding and planting in the flower beds.

Donna loved spending time with her family; attending their sporting events, birthdays, and special occasions every chance she could and was the happiest when all the family was together. She was always a phone call away to listen and talk. Donna loved a glass of wine or margarita with friends and family. She loved visiting beautiful gardens and several years ago fulfilled a wish of hers to travel to London for the Chelsea Flower Show.

Donna’s greatest joys were her three daughters and their families. She was a great mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. A loyal friend through thick and thin. Friends described her as kind, sweet, hilarious, and no-nonsense. She was the heart of our family.

Donna is survived by her daughters: Tammy (Keith) Miller of Rio Dell, CA, Lorie (Johnny) Gomes of Rohnert Park, CA, and Julie (Darren) Loudon of Antelope, CA. Grandchildren: Kristen (Jon-Paul) Nordstrom, Brett Miller, Emily Loudon, Johnny Gomes, Mikaela Loudon, and Tayler Gomes. Great-grandchildren: Xenoclea Vaughn-Miller, Gage Nordstrom, and bonus great-grandson, Ryan Vaughn. She is also survived by her loving companion, Loren Fisher.

She was preceded in death by her parents Vernon and Georgia Hackett and sisters Coralee Griffin and Emilee Ann Hackett.

She will be forever in our hearts and missed by so many.

A celebration of her life will be at a later date, which will be communicated via Facebook.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance or your favorite charity.

A Celebration of Life will be held July 2nd, 2022 from 1-3 at the Fortuna Fire Hall.  320 S Fortuna Blvd., Fortuna, CA