Donna was born on December 9, 1919 in Hanford to Alvin and Ada Parsons. She was the first of six children. Donna graduated from Santa Barbara State University with a teaching credential, and went on to teach at Hanford High as a Home Economics teacher. She met the love of her life, Dan Van Beek, in October 1947 at a USO dance in Hanford. They were married the following year.
They had a wonderful life together full of love and adventure. They lived and worked on their farm in Hanford and traveled around the world. They embraced parenthood with the birth of their children Diane and Norman Van Beek. They were blessed with four grandchildren Daniel, Kristin and Emily Van Beek and Derek Cotton. Donna enjoyed cooking for her grandchildren and loved educating them in so many ways. She attended all of their school and sporting events and watched so proudly. She stayed involved in their lives until her death.
Donna and Dan were active members of the Hanford First Presbyterian Church. The Van Beek family would like to thank Pastor Tony and the congregation for all the support and love that was given to Donna when she attended the Church services and activities, especially as her health and abilities started to decline.
Donna enjoyed family gatherings and had an open door policy. All were welcome. She was always smiling as she cooked and visited. She took wonderful pictures of these gatherings, which is why she is not in most of them. She also enjoyed her summer days spent on the Van Beek beach and boating with Dan and the rest of the family. She loved to garden and had beautiful roses and flower beds.
Donna was an active member of PEO; University of Women; Hanford Garden Club; 19 Century Round Table Study Club; and multiple Church committees, clubs, and activities.
Thank you Bert and Monica for the outstanding, professional, and tender care you provided Donna and her home.
We have so many treasured memories as she was an integral part of our ranch and beach. We will miss her presence dearly and will keep her in our hearts forever.
Donna is survived by her son, Norman Van Beek and his wife Maria of Hanford; four grandchildren Daniel, Kristin, and Emily Van Beek and Derek Cotton; a sister Carol Adams; sister-in-law Loraine Parsons; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Dan, her daughter Diane, her parents Alvin and Ada Parsons, her four brothers Keith, Leland, Raymond, and Robert Parsons.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, February 14, 2015 at First Presbyterian Church 340 N. Irwin St. Hanford, Ca.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to Hanford First Presbyterian Church - Deacon Fund; 415 N Redington St., Hanford, CA 93230.
Family and Friends are invited to view Donna’s legacy at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com and send condolences to the family. These condolences will later be added to a keepsake book for the family.
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