Donna Hougen

Donna Jean (Van Aalsburg) Hougen
August 25, 1952 - December 1, 2025
With profound sadness, the family of Donna Jean Hougen, of Farmers Branch, Texas, announces her passing on December 1, 2025, at the age of 73. Born and raised in Modesto, California, Donna lived a life marked by compassion, resilience, humor, and an unwavering devotion to those she loved.
She was a loving and devoted wife to Jerry Hougen, and a proud mother to Haley Hougen and Keaton Hougen, who were the lights of her life. She cherished her five grandchildren - Van (13), Graham (11), Harlow (5), Josie (4), and Jaxxon (4), and shared a lifelong, special bond with her brother Galen Van Aalsburg, and sister-in-law Mary of Fresno, CA. She has been reunited in Heaven with her father Jerry Van Aalsburg and is survived by her mother, Alma Van Aalsburg of Fresno, CA. She also leaves behind two daughters-in-law, Casey Hougen and Jahaira Hougen, who adored her and remain deeply grateful for the gift of her love.
Donna dedicated her career to education, serving many years as a special education teacher. She was admired for her patience and kindness, and for the way she uplifted both her students and the young teachers she guided. Her generous spirit and passionate advocacy left a lasting impact on every community she served.
Donna faced her cancer diagnosis with extraordinary courage and grace. Her optimism, strength, and determination never wavered, continuing to inspire those around her.
Beyond her roles within her family and career, Donna lived with a spark that brought joy wherever she went. She made history as the first female student at Stanislaus State University to enroll in and complete the college's football class. A true sports enthusiast and a steadfast cheerleader for those she cared about, she brought encouragement, laughter, and heartfelt support into every moment, whether she was meticulously keeping stats at all of her grandkids' baseball games or leading the charge in tracking every detail of March Madness with her friends.
Donna was well known for her baking, and her legacy will live on with her boys and grandkids likely to remind all who try to replicate her recipes that they aren't quite as good as their Moms/Grandmas. For the last 25 years she enjoyed many activities with her friends to include bible study, playing games and quilting; not one to just display her quilts, in true Grandma fashion, they were always available for her grandkids to use.
Christmas was Donna's favorite time of year, a season of joy, gathering, and celebration. She wished for her family and friends to continue that tradition, coming together not only to honor her memory but to celebrate one another, just as she always celebrated all of us.
Donna leaves behind a legacy built on love, strength, generosity, and joyful times, a legacy her family will carry forward with pride.
A service honoring Donna's life will be held on Friday, December 19 at 2 p.m. at The Branch Church, 3035 Valley View Ln, Farmers Branch, TX 75234.
Donna will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7