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Donna Borlaug Obituary
Donna Jean Borlaug passed away peacefully on December 6th, 2010 surrounded by loving family and friends. Donna lost her battle with ovarian cancer.
Born in Vallejo, CA, to Don and Mary Wilson on October 5th, 1950. She is survived by Ned her loving husband of over 40 years and son Erik. Preceded in death by daughter Jill.
Graduating from Hogan High School, Vallejo, CA in 1968. Donna then graduated from Chico State University with a degree in Liberal Studies and a teaching credential in 1973. In 1976 Ned and Donna built their home in the Centerville community and Donna began her 30 year career at Grant School.
The most important things to Donna were her family, friends, and students. While at Grant School Donna touched many lives with her positive and encouraging attitude.
Donna loved entertaining family and friends, especially around the pool, Clear Creek, lakes, and ocean. Some of Donna's passions were riding her horse in the Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, water skiing at Whiskeytown and snow skiing at Mt. Shasta. Donna loved to travel both home and abroad and her camera was always by her side.
Donna touched many lives during her short time with us. There will be a celebration of Donna's life at Grant School at 1 p.m., Saturday December 18, 2010.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Donna Borlaug Citizenship Award - by sending a check payable to SRCF (Shasta Regional Community Foundation) 1335 Arboretum Drive, Suite B, Redding, CA 96003, or your favorite Charity of choice.
Donna Borlaug will be laid to rest along with her daughter at the Northern California Veterans Cemetery at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donna Borlaug
Dianne Harris1
December 6, 2023
Your beautiful ways will live forever in my heart.
Karen Thomas Marcus
December 7, 2022
Donna was one of my very first friends when we were in kindergarten together. We remained friends throughout the years even though I moved from Vallejo in 1962. I really do think of her often and always remember her on her birthday. RIP Sweet Donna.
Christina Drude
January 10, 2011
Ned and Erik,
I had the privilege of working with Donna when my sons were at Grant School. Her love and care for each and every student, while maintaining discipline and high standards, was beyond measure. Her smile and laughter would light up the room. I was so saddened to learn of her passing and my heart goes out to you both. I hope that, with time, your grief will lessen and fond and happy memories will help ease your burden.
Donnell Turner
December 29, 2010
Rest in peace Mrs. Borlaug. Thank you for life lessons at an early age. Not the least of which was the "pig-Latin" that you taught us and greeted us with every morning. Your good natured spirit coupled with an infectious enthusiasm for learning, was noticed then and appreciated now. Thank you.
Sending my prayers of strength and love to the grieving family.
Karen Thomas-Marcus
December 28, 2010
Ned & Erik: I cannot begin to tell you how sad I was when I heard about the passing of my good friend Donna. Donna and I met in Vallejo when we were in kindergarten together. I lived around the corner from her and we spent our childhood together. She was like a sister and my heart breaks for you both. I will remember her always and my thoughts are with you both. Although we hadn't seen each other in a long time, she was my very first "best friend" in the world.
Melissa Pritchett-Niemann
December 22, 2010
God bless you and keep you.
December 19, 2010
Donna was my friend and will continue to be my friend forever. We shared great times with her family and many friends. Rest in peace my friend. Jim Parshall.
Derik Knak
December 18, 2010
"I was in her last class (the 2006-2007 class), I didn't hear about her death until last week. I will attend her memorial today. Rest in peace, Mrs. Borlaug.
One of her last students, Derik Knak"
amanda reinholz-Beld
December 18, 2010
Donna was like a 2nd mom to me, I will miss her smile and the way she would always make us (Jill and I) do the dishes before going to bed or watching t.v. or playing...:) sending you both love.
Richard Pearce
December 15, 2010
Ned & Eric The Lord will carry you both through this time in life. My Prayers will be with you. I remember your beautiful family from youth football.
God Bless.
Mark Mieger
December 15, 2010
thanks for being such a wonderful teacher,thoughts and prayer to your loved ones.
December 15, 2010
Ned and Erik, you are in our thoughts and we hope you both can find comfort in knowing Donna is at peace. We will all miss dear, sweet Donna but none more than the two of you. We are here for you for any time. Love, Russ and Dianne
Bobbi Reynolds
December 14, 2010
Ned and Erik, She was an amazing woman and a wonderful teacher, she was one of my favorites. She has touched so many peoples lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you
Donald Reynolds
December 14, 2010
Ned and Eric, God must have needed another Angel. Donna touched the lives of so many kids at Grant, ours included, Our hearts and prayers are with you. Donna will be greatly missed. Don and Tammy Reynolds
matt mitchell
December 13, 2010
To know her was to love her... She will be missed.
Katie Radford
December 13, 2010
You will be remembered and continue to live on in all the people you have touched through out all your years at Grant. I will always remember the love you showed me in your 3rd grade class and then later on in life. May God smile upon your family in thier time of need.
Mary Trevor
December 13, 2010
Dear Ned,
Donna was just one of my favorite people, upbeat, kind, and sweet. A real figher. You were such a great source of support for her. Some people a person doesn't forget, you both fall into that category. Sincerely,
Burt Williams
December 13, 2010
Ned and Erik, Sorry to hear the passing of Donna. A wonderful wife and mother. I will remember her from Grant staff parties and get togethers. She was always upbeat and positive, with a smile on her face. My thoughts and prayers are with you."All Honor To her Name."
Debbie Cartwright (Buck's mom)
December 13, 2010
Ned and Eric - Please know how much I am praying for you and thinking of you. When I think of Donna the first thing I always remember is her laugh. Her courage and grace in the face of trials was amazing. Our family loves you so.
Hight Family
December 12, 2010
Eric and family, just want you to know we are thinking about you and praying for you. The hight Fam and Fire Fam
Cheryl Busby
December 12, 2010
Dear Ned,and Eric, Although I've never met you, I did know Donna back in her CSUC days. All of her friends knew she was a very special person then and I know she only got better. We were all very fortunate to have her in our lives. I have many fond memories also and I am very sorry for your loss. She always did have a smile for everyone, and she will be missed and always remembered with a smile as well.
Betsy Oppezzo
December 12, 2010
Mrs. Borlaug will always be remembered as my favorite teacher. She had a special gift for teaching. She led an organized disciplined class while making sure every student felt loved. I hope you find peace in knowing that she is in a better place.
Laurie Plummer (O'Brien)
December 12, 2010
For one of my most memorable teachers.....you will be missed! My best memory....the way she cried while sitting on the edge of her desk and reading "Where the Red Fern Grows" to us..... Mrs. Borlaug, an inspiration and legend for our time. A teacher that new exactly what to say and when to say it.... My condolences to Mr. Borlaug and Eric.
Karen Frost
December 12, 2010
Donna was always smiling and that is how I will remember her. My condolences to all.
Lyn Smith
December 12, 2010
Dear Ned, Erik , family and friends,
We were blessed to have had Donna our sons' , Mark & David Smith, 3rd grade teacher. David was in school with Jill through high school and has many fond memories. Donna was such a sweet caring person and will be sorely missed. I pray that you all be at peace let all your wondreful memories comfort you. Always, Lyn & Sam Smith
Holli Maple
December 12, 2010
You will never be forgotten Mrs. Borlaug ! I am so sorry for your loss Ned and Eric she is remembered fondly!
Holli Maple
Don Mangrum
December 12, 2010
Ned, I am hurting for you. So very sorry for your loss. If there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to call. Will be praying for your strength and guidance. May God's loving arms give you peace and comfort.
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