Donna Marie PURDY

PURDY, Donna Marie (Mimo)
On October 7, with her loving family by her side, Donnie passed away peacefully with all the grace and dignity that epitomized the life she shared so generously with family, friends, and all who came to know her.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Oliver, and brothers William (Skip) Purdy and Rick Oliver. Donna is survived by her beloved life's partner, Carol Jean, her brother Dennis (Sheri) and sisters Mary, Deb, Lynne, niece Katie, and nephews Ryan, Justin, and Jordan. She also leaves behind her loving daughter Jean (Mark), two grandchildren Randi and Erin, four great-grandchildren Anna, A.J., Allie and Isaac, as well as her many dear friends who were blessed to have known her.

Donna was born in Stoneham, MA, on September 30, 1957. She began life as a frail child who had to overcome numerous early health challenges. But overcome them she did. Donna was a mischievous child who was given to exuberant bursts of enthusiasm sometimes much to the chagrin of her older siblings. While attending school, Donna's beautiful singing voice became known and she sang lead in many school productions. She graduated from Melrose High School in 1976 and after a couple of years gave into her desire to see the world.

Donna proudly served in the United States Air Force for ten years as a Mental Health Technician. While in the Air Force, Donna was stationed in Japan and traveled the country extensively. She even conquered Mt. Fuji. While in Japan, Donna started entertaining children in the base hospital as Mimo the Clown. She had taken her mother's clown name as it was she who first coaxed Donna into wearing a clown costume and joining her in town parades. Donna was medically discharged from the Air Force while stationed at Mather AFB in Sacramento, California.

By this time Donna and Carol had been together for approximately two years. Donna was trying to determine what her new career path would be and together they opted for Donna pursuing her clowning talents. After a couple of years they started their own entertainment company that is known today as The Imagination Shoppe.

Donna (Mimo) is now recognized as a premier clown in the entertainment community of Northern California. Her love of children and a growing desire to teach as well as entertain led to her to the creation of the 'Happy Healthy Heart Program.' This nutrition program was created and performed for preschoolers, kindergarteners, and first graders. To date, the program has graduated over 8000 children in the Elk Grove Unified School District. Additional programs have been taught in Preschools and Head Start locations in surrounding Sacramento areas.

While her time on earth was much too short for those of us who knew her and loved her, there is comfort in her legacy of laughter, kindness, generosity and true caring.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony will soon be held for Donna with laughter, smiles, and precious memories being shared.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation be made in her name to St Jude Children's Hospital.

To donate please use these steps:
1. www.stjude.org/specialevents
2. Click on sponsor a participant
(small red print under big red button)
3. Click on California on US map
4. Enter 95842 in the zip code box Click Find
5. Click on Professor Mimo's Happy
Healthy Heart Fund for St Jude
6. Click on Donate to this fund
7. Thank You !