Donna Louise Carnahan

Donna Louise Carnahan, devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away peacefully at the age of 87 in Olathe, Colorado on July 11, 2024. 

The only child of Leon and Amy VanDepitte, Donna was born in Vancouver, British Columbia on January 6, 1937. She married David J. Carnahan, the love of her life, in 1956 and from their union they had three children. David and Donna lived in Olympia from 1970 to 1998, raising their family and both working for the State of Washington. After Donna’s retirement, they moved to their beautiful home in Shelton overlooking Puget Sound, a view that Donna enjoyed for many years. After David’s passing in 2019, Donna moved to Colorado near her daughter Kathy’s home.

Donna enjoyed traveling, gardening, creating stained glass, and most importantly spending time with family and many friends. Donna took special joy in having her grandchildren visit, picking wild blackberries, and baking pies with them. Pie for breakfast wasn’t uncommon because Grandma considered it to be a healthy serving of fruit.

Donna is survived by her three children: Brent (Tammy) Carnahan, John (Sheryl) Carnahan, Kathy (Randy) Carnahan-Drayer, six grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. Donna will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, pleasant personality, and her dedication to family and friends. She was always there with a listening ear and a loving embrace.

A graveside service celebrating Donna’s life will be held later this Fall at Masonic Memorial Park in Tumwater, Washington.