Donna Adams Vanderwoude

Donna was born on April 27, 1951. She was the daughter of Frances Smith Adams and James Maurice Adams of Kilgore, Texas. She was married to Fred Vanderwoude for 47 years until his passing earlier this year. Donna graduated from Southern Methodist University in 1973. She met Fred while they were students at SMU, and they were married in May of 1975. Residents of University Park, Donna and Fred were the parents of three children: Fred Blaylock “Blake” Vanderwoude, Jr., James Brian Vanderwoude, and Allison Adams Vanderwoude. Family was especially important to her, and she loved spending time with her husband, children, and five grandchildren.

Donna spent the majority of her life as a homemaker and active community volunteer. She was also a licensed Realtor and worked in the real estate industry for several years. She was a member of The Junior League of Dallas, where she served on the Board as Chairman of the Junior League Ball. She was also a member of the Jr. Group of the Dallas Garden Club serving as President and Flower Show Chairman. Organization and leadership were her specialties, and she served as Chairman of several charitable events in Dallas including the Susan G. Komen National Awards Luncheon, the Children’s Medical Center Style Show, the Children’s Medical Center Family Night at Six Flags, the Wadley Whoopee, the Equest Luncheon, and the Interfaith Housing Coalition fundraiser. Donna volunteered at Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital, Ronald McDonald House, and Children’s Medical Center. She served on various committees for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra League Presentation Ball, La Fiesta de las Seis Banderas, and the Hyer Elementary and Highland Park PTAs. Donna was also a member of the Dallas Woman’s Club and served as President of the Dallas Garden Club. She was also President of the Tuesday Garden Club and the Spring Dance Club.

Donna was a lifelong Methodist and was a member of University Park United Methodist Church and now Highland Park United Methodist Church. She also attended Bible Study Fellowship for many years. She and her husband were members of the Dallas Country Club, SMU Mustang Club, and SMU Alumni Association. Donna’s greatest joy was her family. Her hobbies and favorite pastimes over the years were playing Mahjong and Bridge, attending movies, shopping, and having lunch with friends. She loved being with her grandchildren and enjoyed baking cookies, having lunch, and playing Bingo with them. She also enjoyed traveling to Colorado and the beach in the summer, as well as trips to East Texas.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents Frances and Maurice Adams of Kilgore; sister Deedy Adams of Kilgore; and husband Fred Vanderwoude of Dallas. She is survived by son Blake Vanderwoude and wife Jamie of Denver, Colorado; son Brian Vanderwoude and wife Kristi of Dallas; and daughter Allison Vanderwoude of Dallas; grandchildren Katy, Emily and James Vanderwoude of Dallas, and Trey and Tori Vanderwoude of Denver; and several nieces and nephews.

Donna will be laid to rest at Sparkman-Hillcrest. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. at Highland Park United Methodist Church with a reception for family and close friends to follow. In honor of Donna, donations may be made to The Junior League of Dallas, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, or a charity of your choice.