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BORN
1948
DIED
2010
Donna Tefft Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Donna Tefft
Alison Leyba
September 16, 2010
I was very grateful to have known Donna during my high school years through my involvement with her Youth Group. She was always extrememly optimistic, caring and wanted the best for everyone. Her warm heart extended far beyond words could describe. She will always be in my heart. To Bill, my deepest condolences go out to you and your family. You and Donna have always been very good to me. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rene & Adelie de Castro
September 15, 2010
Our condolences goes to Donna's family. She was sent from heaven and now she is back home with Him. I was one of her nurse when she asked me and my wife to serve at Nativity church as Eucharistic Ministers. We are so grateful that God has made her an instrument and brought our lives closer to Him. She has touched our lives and we will always remember her.
Paul Henderson
September 12, 2010
Bill,
I am so sad for you and I just find it unbelievable that Donna is no longer part of my life.You see I was the father of that 9 year old who went to America in 1995 and you and Donna turned on quite a show for your family from New Zealand. My wife Katie and I had also visited Donna in 1982 and as far as I was concerned there was always a part of New Zealand in LA as long as Donna was there. She was a zany,fun loving peach of a woman who had a heart the size of a planet. I also remember Buffy the crazy dog that I think only Donna could understand. We will love you forever
Your 2nd cousin
Paul
Sophie Henderson
September 12, 2010
When I was 9 years old, my dad took me on a trip to the U.S to stay with our cousins who I had never met. It was one of the best holidays I've ever had. I loved America and have wonderful memories of my time with Donna and Bill - visiting Knotsberry Farm, Disneyland, watching cable tv, eating waffles for breakfast and visiting a mall! Donna was such a lovely lady and I always hoped to see her again as an adult. I'm so sad that I won't but I'll never forget her. Thank you for looking after me and making me feel so welcome in your home, you were such a warm, loving, fun person Donna.
I'm so sorry for your loss Bill and I will certainly come and see you when I make it back to the USA one day.
Love from Sophie xo
September 11, 2010
I had never met Donna but we corresponded for many years as teenagers and I remained in touch with her over the years via Auntie Mag and then in later years, Sylvia.
Donna and Bill were most welcoming to my late brother John and his wife Karen when they visited the States several years ago.
Please accept our most sincere condolences Bill and know that we are thinking of you even though we are so far away.
Donna will always be remembered.
Susan, Manuel & family
Wellington, New Zealand.
September 10, 2010
Our remarkable Donna would have been so pleased to have seen and heard the many sincere tributes given in her honor at both her rosary and funeral services. As Director of Ministries, she touched the lives of so many friends & Nativity parishioners. Donna would have been so pleased at the large turnout of people who came to show their love for her. The heartfelt eulogy & mass said by Father Hernandez was so beautiful and moving. We will miss her phone calls about usher coverage. She was a most gracious, beautiful and great lady. Our deepest sympathy goes out to her dear husband Bill.
Jim & Marilyn Lynch
(Usher/Adult Choir)
sylvia henderson
September 9, 2010
Firstly, our love and very deepest sympathy goes out to Bill.How can I express how I feel in the loss of my very much loved cousin. Although we lived so very far away in New Zealand, Donna was a big part of my life. We first met when she came to New Zealand as a beautiful 2 year old, with her Mother and twin sister Dawn. Over the years, we have visited the U.S.A. and had fabulous holidays with Donna and Bill. She and Bill were always so hospitable, not only to David and I, but also our son Paul, Daughter-in-law Katie and Grand-daughter Sophie. Donna and Bill visited us in New Zealand, 10 years ago and although that was the last time I saw Donna, we have been constantly in touch and I was so grateful to talk to her only last week when she was so very ill. Donna valued her family so much and always kept in touch with my parents in New Zealand all her life until they died. She was an incredible, caring daugher to her own parents and always looked after them.
Donna was an amazing woman and her achievements are many. Her love for Bill and her faith and involvement in the Church, were paramount in her life.Donna's love and care also for her animals was shared by Bill = why else would they have 9 cats and a dog!!!
I valued Donna's love and will miss her so very much in my life.
Sylvia and David Henderson,
Auckland,
New Zealand
September 9, 2010
Donna was a remarkable woman. Warm, friendly, caring, loving, generous, and an inspiration to all of us. She was involved in every aspect of the Nativity Church, the school and all the related ministries. She had such a sweet motherly effective way of recruiting volunteers. Just as you wouldn't say no to your mother when she asked you to do something, Donna had the same power over you - You knew that No or refusing to help just wasn't an option or acceptable.
I met Donna shortly after losing my mother. She helped me through my loss and provided the guidance and direction to be a better person and to become closer to God.
I'm not even sure how it all happened. She got me involved as a Lector, Eucharistic Minister, then the Lector Coordinator and trainer, had me involved in multiple committees, fill in Alter Server and before I knew it Father Alfred was washing my feet at the Holy Thursday mass.
Donna was always cheerful with a bright smile on her face and glad to see you. She had that gift of always making you feel special and truly appreciated. It was always great to see Donna and get her warmth, praise, and affection.
We will miss you Donna and we thank you for everything you have done for us. Continue to watch over your flock at Nativity and keep us guided in the right direction.
We love you Donna
Dan
Panny Gagajena
September 9, 2010
Our deepest condolences to the famly of Donna. I'm sorry I just learned about Donna's passing just now thru the Internet. I lectored this morning and I was wondering who the flowers were for at church...I should have known better...
We shall surely miss a wonderful, dedicated, sweet and loving person, dedicated to her Faith and to Nativity Catholic Church...She's physically gone but her memory will live on and on...Panny Gagajena, Lector at Nativity, my wife Arceli and our entire family. Pray for us, Donna.
September 9, 2010
Donna - I am going to miss you soooo much. You welcomed me and my family to Nativity Church with a warm embrace (literally & figuratively speaking). I am so grateful to Arlene Lim who introduced me to you. I've known you only two years but it seems like I've known you forever. I remember when I hit my head on the window by the handicapped parking, you were so sorry for what happened and ordered right away for all the windows in the area where pedestrians pass be closed permanently. I felt like you almost would rather carry the burden of the pain instead of letting me experience the pain and the bump on my right temple. Even when I was already better and the bump went away, you still checked every Sunday to make sure I was okay. I know that you will be watching over me, and Annie & Kenny & Susan at the next South Bay Living Rosary Pilgrimage this year and the subsequent years. We need you in heaven to intercede for the fruitulness of this endeavor. Mother Mary, please take Donna's hand to meet your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Donna, you are a gem, a brilliant jewel in the crown of God. May your soul rest in peace. Love, Jane with David, Margaret, & Robert (Sonoda)
Irene Zapata
September 9, 2010
I met Donna some few years ago because I was involved in the Nativity Youth Group and participated in the youth choir. Although it's been a while since choir practices with the Youth Group, I have not forgotten Donna. My greatest sympathy to all of Donna's family, we'll miss you.
Agnes Zapata
September 8, 2010
I was truly blessed to have had the chance to know Donna. Donna I will miss you so much. I will miss how you worked with the youth group and I will miss how you made us laugh with all your energy and spunk. We were lucky to have had you in our lives. My sincere condolences Bill--Donna is watching over you. I love you Donna.
Sharon Decker
September 8, 2010
Donna was a good friend and a great role model. Her commitment to God and her Church was obvious in the lifestyle she led. I will miss you Donna, but I for one am glad that I have a Guardian Angel watching over me and pushing me in the right direction. Bill, I cannot find the words to express my sorrow for you. Your Faith will get you through. We will miss you Donna..Thanks for getting us involved in the volunteer programs through the Church. Our gratitude is immense. God Speed my friend.
Love,
Sharon Decker
Fr. Chrysostom Baer
September 8, 2010
My condolences to Donna's family. My time at Nativity was graced by seeing Donna every Sunday morning. Requiescat in pace. - Fr. Chrysostom
Michael Loera
September 8, 2010
Donna was/is a friend to all of us. Donna gave her life for others... What an example for all of us to follow. Now we have a close friend who is close to God who can intercede for us. We love you Donna.
September 7, 2010
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to her husband and family.
Donna is very affectionate. She would always hug me everytime I see her in the church. Will miss you my dear Donna. Praying for the repose of your soul. - Josie Abear-Sevilla
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