Donna Sue Tenborg

1953 - 2022

Mount Vernon - Donna Sue Tenborg (69), a lifelong resident of the Skagit Valley, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her adoring family on Saturday, November 26, 2022.

Donna was born in Mount Vernon, WA on February 11th, 1953, to Daralene and Don Youngquist. She graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1971 and went on to Northwest College for Medical Assistants. Donna married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, George Tenborg Jr. on May 19th, 1972. Together, they raised their family less than a mile from the house she grew up in. They were married for 50 years.

Donna's love language was food and she made sure that when you left her house, you were well fed and loved. Her greatest skills may have been giving her unforgettable hugs, and baking. Sheepherders' bread, apple pie, cinnamon rolls and monster cookies were some of the favorites, and her Swedish pancake breakfasts were legendary. She took in anyone that needed a family or just a little extra attention and feeding. As a result, she had several surrogate children and grandchildren who loved her dearly.

Donna loved walking beaches in search of beach glass, spending time at their river house, standing barefoot in the first snow of the year and traveling. Many of her travels with George were to warm tropical locations, where she could watch sea turtles, her favorite animal.

Donna was diagnosed with ALS in the autumn of 2020 and maintained a state of bravery, grace and love throughout the challenges this diagnosis brought. She has passed on, but her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren and the lives she has touched with her compassion.

Donna was survived by her husband George Tenborg Jr.; children, Kristi, Jodi, Brent, Marty and Jill; grandchildren, Jaidev, Jahldi, Alden, Eliza, Gage, Zoe, Lane and Odin; her mother Daralene Youngquist and brothers, Mike and David Youngquist. She was preceded in death by her father Don Youngquist and her son Benjamin Joseph Tenborg.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Donna's memory to the ALS Evergreen Chapter at: https://donate.als.org/fundraiser/4300343. A celebration of life will be held at Hillcrest Lodge in Mount Vernon on Friday, December 23rd. 3-5PM. You may offer condolences at www.kernfuneralhome.com.