Donna Yancey

Donna S. Yancey, lovingly known as "Donna Sue," passed away on February 13, 2025, in Seattle, Washington, at the age of 81. Born on April 15, 1943, in Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii, she lived a life filled with adventure, compassion, and deep connections with those around her.

Donna pursued her education at the University of Kentucky, where she earned a nursing degree that would lead to a meaningful and impactful career. She dedicated her professional life to helping others through her work at the VA, Stanford Therapeutic Community, Seattle Pain Clinics, and Children's Hospital Rehab. Her commitment to healthcare reflected her deep sense of empathy and care for those in need.

Beyond her career, Donna embraced life with an adventurous spirit. She was an avid hiker and backpacker who often embarked on solo trips into the wilderness. She also enjoyed kayaking, skiing, snowshoeing, biking, and extensive travel. Her journeys took her across the globe-she lived in New Zealand for six months and explored Australia, Hawaii (as often as possible), India and Nepal (where she went on pilgrimage with Sakya Monastery), Turkey, Europe, and Mexico. Whether traveling alone or with friends, she sought out new experiences with enthusiasm and curiosity.

Her love for the environment, population control advocacy, animal rights, social justice causes, and women's rights demonstrated her dedication to making the world a better place. Donna also had a deep appreciation for music, theater, ballet, baking, and cooking. She was known for completing her outfits with numerous scarves and purses that reflected her vibrant personality.

Spiritual exploration was an important part of Donna's life. She maintained an open mind toward many religions and studied Thomas Merton's works. She regularly attended meditation classes and workshops and frequently visited Cloud Mountain Buddhist Center in Washington.

Donna is survived by a remarkable group of cousins who cherished their bond with her: Mary Kay; Vicki; Julie; Joan; Diane and family; Carol and family; Jeff; John; Bill; Brian; and Tom. She was predeceased by her parents, Gladys and Charles Yancey.

Her friendships were among the most treasured aspects of her life. Donna cultivated deep relationships with people from all walks of life-friends she met through her travels and experiences became like family to her. She had an extraordinary ability to create lasting connections wherever she went.

A celebration of Donna's incredible life will be held on March 29, 2025, at Greenwood Masonic Center in Seattle (7910 Greenwood Ave N) from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Stories will be shared starting around 2:30 PM, with a Zoom link available for those unable to attend in person.

Donna lived fully-with brightness, adventure, compassion, fun-loving energy, generosity-and always surrounded by loving friends. Her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her.

If anyone who happens to read this wants to make a donataion, here are a few suggestions

Humane World for Animals

Southern Poverty Law Center

Planned Parenthood