Donna Patricia Milward

MILWARD, Donna "Pat" - Born Donna Patricia Kennedy in Omaha, NE in 1930, her Irish Catholic heritage and her deeply authentic faith informed her entire life. Donna was beloved by all who were fortunate enough to know her - and to be known by her. She was kind and gentle, loving and compassionate - words do not do justice to how accepting and understanding she was in life. She grew up in Omaha until age 14 when her dad was transferred to Santa Rosa, CA. A graduate of Ursuline High School in 1948, Donna met Richard "Dick" Milward at the Santa Rosa Junior College and they were married at the Cathedral of St. Eugene's in 1951. Donna and Dick had five children, and created the most loving family. Sadly, their infant daughter, Maureen, died at the age of five weeks in 1961. Their son-in-law, Tom Litney, also predeceased her, passing away far too young in 2004. Her loving husband, Richard Milward, died in 2006 at the age of 80. Donna is survived by her brother, Dr. William Kennedy of El Dorado Hills; and her four children: daughter Ann Litney of El Dorado Hills, daughter and son-in-law Patricia and Mark Baldry of Cotati, son John and daughter-in-law Allison Perrin of Portland, Oregon, and her son Mike and daughter-in-law Ellen Vogt of Aptos. Donna is also survived by ten grandchildren who adored their Grandma. Donna was called to live a life in Christ from her earliest days and exemplified the very best of what such a vocation can be. After rearing her children, Donna returned to the workforce and worked in healthcare for many years. She volunteered for over 15 years at Sutter VNA and Hospice in Santa Rosa where she was held in the highest esteem. Donna was a deeply committed Democrat who never missed her favorite Sunday morning news shows. She was delighted to live to see President Obama elected twice and was proudly supporting Hillary Clinton at the time of her very peaceful passing in the early morning hours of August 20, 2016. We know that Mom is now with our sister Maureen, our dad Richard, and a host of other family and friends. We live in the sure promise that we will see her again. Her most loving heart and amazing spirit live on in each of her children, grandchildren and all of those she touched in life. Family and friends are invited to attend a Funeral Mass and Celebration of Donna's Life on Saturday, October 8, at The Star of the Valley Catholic Church in Oakmont (545 White Oak Drive, Santa Rosa, CA, 95409) at 10:30 a.m. with a reception to follow. We want to thank everyone at Sutter VNA and Hospice for the extraordinary care and compassion they provided to Mom and all of us in her last weeks of life. In lieu of flowers, Donna's family would appreciate donations to this remarkable organization. Funeral Mass

Star of the Valley Catholic Church

Saturday, October 08, 2016 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM 545 White Oak Drive Santa Rosa, CA 95409 Directions