Donna Jean (McRae) Stone was born May 21, 1935, on her grandparents’ homestead west of Sedro-Woolley, Washington, the daughter of Skagit Country pioneers, George A. and Jessie (McKee) McRae. She passed away Sunday, December 24, 2023 at Where the Heart Is, Assisted Living & Memory Care, Burlington, Washington, where she had lived since July, 2022.
Donna attended McRae Grade School, Central Grade School and graduated from Sedro-Woolley High School in the class of 1953. She married the love of her life Henry (Hank) Stone June 26, 1953. They welcomed daughters Sandy in 1955 and Deanna in 1956 and fostered a great family life working hard, spending time together whether it be a school activity, a sporting event, time at Lake Samish, a Sunday drive, or an occasional family vacation. They celebrated 50 years of marriage prior to Hank’s passing July 29, 2003.
Donna was a twenty-nine-year employee of the Burlington-Edison School District. She began as Secretary at Roosevelt Elementary and later transferred to West View Elementary. She loved the students, the community and was honored to work with so many colleagues who became lifelong friends. With her creative talents she enjoyed many interests, sewing, gardening, calligraphy, various crafts, genealogy research and being the overall family historian.
Donna remained active throughout her life. She was a 75-year member of the Skagit Valley Grange #620, over 60-year member of PeaceHealth United General Hospital Auxiliary, a member of Westview Garden Club, Territorial Daughters, Skagit County Historical Museum, Skagit Valley Genealogy Society, Burlington Historical Society, and her cherished Sit and Sew group.
Donna is preceded in death by parents, George A and Jessie McRae; father and mother-in-law, Charles and Eunice Stone; brother, George McRae; sister and brothers-in-law Don Stone, George (Alice) Stone, Aletha (Bob) Bates, Charlene (John) Rock, Chuck (Betty) Stone and brother-in law, Fred Hall.
She is survived by daughter, Sandy Stone of Aviano, Italy, daughter Deanna (Ken) Stewart, Mount Vernon; sister, Eunice (Dale) Jenkins, sister Mary Hall both of Bay View; brother, Jim (Janet) McRae, Sedro-Woolley; brother-in-law, Cash (Dorothy) Stone, Spokane; cousins, Barbara Ward Thompson and Linda Mitchell, Sedro-Woolley; numerus nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend grateful THANK YOU to Where the Heart Is, Burlington and Hospice of the Northwest for their loving care.
Memorial contributions may be made in Donna’s honor to Skagit Valley Grange #620, 27589 Minkler Road, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284, Peace Health United General Hospital Auxiliary, 3641 Old Hwy 99 N., Burlington, WA 98233, Burlington-Edison Alumni Foundation, PO Box 350, Burlington, WA 98233.
Viewing will be available from 1 pm to 4 pm Tuesday, January 2, 2024 and Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley, WA.
The burial will take place at 10:30 am, Thursday, January 4, 2024 at Greenhills Memorial Cemetery, Burlington, WA. Memorial Service begins at 12 pm, at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley, WA Reception to follow at the Sedro-Woolley, Eagles. Please share your memories of Donna and sign the online guest register.
Memories of Donna Bringing her new dress each year to the lake on Labor Day weekend to be hemmed and she was probably the main reason we had legg pantyhose eggs to use for Easter egg hunting each year. She was also in charge of the original Santa clause for our holiday gathering. When Donna was not enjoying her coffee cup at the lake, she was joyously tending to the flowers and flower beds and insuring we ran a tight watering schedule. I grew up looking at beautiful pictures of her in her prom dress with her Sister, then a gorgeous satin wedding gown with Hank. Beautiful smiles and big shoes to fill. Donna was a true role model of someone you should grow up to be like. It is an honor to know that the cross on Burlington hill will be lit in her beloved memory.
I will always remember Donna calmly dealing with the utter chaos of a school office. She stayed serene and smiled sweetly.
Sending huge hugs, love, and prayers to you, Sandy! So very sorry in the loss of your beloved mother.
You will be so missed so very much. I’ll miss our phone visits & visits to your
home, getting to see your beautiful flowers, learning about our family heritage and our ancestral memories. The fun. amazing collections we’ve cherished when visiting your and Uncle Hank’s cozy home! May you forever rest in Paradise with all those who are there ready to welcome you to live, love and find peace eternal ❤️
What a wonderful woman with so many talents. I worked with her daughter, Deanna and loved her husband, Hank. May the family members be comforted by the many fantastic memories of Donna. Our condolences to all those who will miss her so much.
Sandy, Deannna and Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. So many memories to carry with each and every one of you to cherish.
My heart goes out to Deanna, Ken and Sandy and all family and friends of Donna .
Donna was sweet and funny and loved her husband Hank and daughters.
Knowing this family for fifty plus years I can not say enough good about the love and pride Donna and Hank always brought to their community .
Deanna, you took wonderful care of your mom, and I hope you take comfort knowing she is with your dad now.
Donna’s wonderful smile and graciousness will be missed.
Much love, Vicki
Hi Deanna,
Sal and I have many fond memories of Donna. Our condolences on her passing, and our best wishes for you and Sandy in this sad time.
Donna was a lovely person who I have known for 66 years. Always very friendly and kind. She will be missed. Thinking of you Deanna who took wonderful care of her mom.
So sorry for our loss of this beautiful woman. My condolences to all.
Deanna,
I am so very sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. It feels like I have known her forever! So thankful I got to see the two of you earlier this year. Hugs to you and your family!
Susie