Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Donna Woods Obituary
Donna Van Buren Woods
Donna Van Buren Woods passed away unexpectedly on the morning of Wednesday, May 6, 2020 at her home in Park City, Utah. Born and raised in San Antonio, Texas, Donna moved west to attend college at BYU in Provo, Utah. Upon graduation, her love for the mountains led her to Park City where she began a life-long passion for the development of the community and to become a leading pioneer for women in business.
Donna's professional accomplishments spanned decades and brought happiness to countless families vacationing in Park City. Throughout her career she founded Greater Park City Properties, ABC Reservations Central, Park City Sleigh Company, Balloon Affair, ABC Snowmobiles and Snow-cat Tours, in addition to many years serving as manager to various Park City condominiums and resort properties. Donna was appointed to multiple Boards which were instrumental in the planning and development of Park City and Summit County. She was a proud contributor and board member of the local NPR affiliate station, KPCW. Donna called Park City home for almost five decades and was active in various non-profit organizations such as Peace House and Utah Open Lands. Anyone who has spent much time in Park City has likely to at least heard of Donna Van Buren. As a result of her tireless efforts to ensure Park City remain the special place she fell in love with, Donna's legacy and contributions will be long-remembered.
Donna's love of music, art, and travel took her to many places, including Italy where she and Fred were married. Her fun and lively spirit drew people to her. Nothing brought her more pleasure than serving as a gracious host surrounded by close friends and family, especially her infamous spaghetti dinners at Christmas time.
Donna is survived by her loving husband, Fred Woods, her mother, Pearl Kalver, sister Karla Van Buren Fulton, her brother, Richard Van Buren, nephews Eric Van Buren and Karl Van Buren, sons, Colin Woods and Graham Woods, daughter, Hillary Woods, grandchildren, Abigail Meikrantz, Brock Bills, Patrick Howe, Amira Woods, and great niece Oline Strucksnes Van Buren. She is preceded in death by her father Douglas Van Buren.
A virtual memorial service is being developed with a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to Peace House, Utah Open Lands or KPCW.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bob Billa
July 17, 2020
Donna was a year ahead of me in Junior High. I didnt know much about girls at that time. But she came up to me and would talk to me. She always asked me how I was doing and encouraged me in school. She was a really kind and nice person. I was shocked to hear of her passing. She was too young to leave this earth. My greatest sympathy for her family. Bob Billa
Kelly Thomas
May 25, 2020
One of my fondest memories of Donna was when she would sing Summertime while John Bateman played the guitar. She had a whispery voice that just took you to Summertime in the middle of a cold Park City night.
Rowdy Williams
May 17, 2020
Ms Donna was considered a great friend to me although we had only spoken over the phone over the last 18 months. We had spent a lot of time communicating about Park City, opportunities friends and family. She always went above and beyond helping us with our lease property and always made sure we felt supported. She will be greatly missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Fred and her family.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
May 15, 2020
Fred & Jean Fox
May 15, 2020
We never met Donna, but can see by her history of accomplishments and contributions to the community that she was a wonderful woman and a shining star. Our heartfelt sorrow goes out to Fred and family members. We always enjoy seeing Fred and Marcy during our frequent walks through the neighborhood. Peace and love to all.
Wendy Fisher
May 14, 2020
Donna was a champion of so many good things. I had the pleasure of knowing her when she was a commissioner and also as a dynamic supporter and leader for open space efforts in Summit County. She will be missed. That smile, that radiance, that tenacity. I feel so very grateful that I got to spend more time with her than usual working on the preservation of Armstrong Snow Ranch Pastures. She was a tremendous force for good and I am blessed to have considered her a friend and will miss her dearly. My deepest sympathies to the entire family on behalf of me and the entire team at Utah Open Lands.
Charlotte Humphrey
May 13, 2020
Sending my Deepest Sympathy to Donnas family.
Her light was so very bright !
To Karla I send my Love during this sad time !
Lisa Harris
May 13, 2020
Donna was my cousin and I have too many wonderful memories to list. She was truly one of a kind and lived life to the fullest. The world has lost a bright light and a beautiful soul. Heaven has gained an angel. I'm sure Meema, Pawpaw, Uncle Doug and Aunt Ann were there to welcome her home. I love you Donna and will miss you til we meet again!
Larry
May 13, 2020
After reading her accomplishments, WOW! I always knew her Karla little sister! I was in the Class of 1966 and never for a moment her life her successes! Gods Wings Miss Donna!
Molly Groff
May 13, 2020
I looked up to Donna at Highlands HS, as I was two years behind her. My brother, Mark Koch, was in her grade. I remember Donna as a very friendly upper-classman and she spoke with even us under-classmen with fairness and comradery. I extend my best wishes to her family. I'm sorry to see them lose such a wonderful lady. May her soul rest in peace.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in Donna Woods's name
How to support Donna's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Donna Woods's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
