Diana Lynn (Jones) Donovan
Diana Lynn (Jones) Donovan, of Rochester, Minn., formerly of Warroad, Minn., Superior and Naknek, Alaska, was born May 2, 1949, in Duluth, Minn. to William Jones and Annabelle Moilenen (nee Halverson).
Diana Lynn (Jones) Donovan, of Rochester, Minn., formerly of Warroad, Minn., Superior and Naknek, Alaska, was born May 2, 1949, in Duluth, Minn. to William Jones and Annabelle Moilenen (nee Halverson).
Diana had suffered from pulmonary fibrosis and congestive heart failure, and she passed away peacefully on Dec. 23, 2012, surrounded by her family. In recent months she received excellent care by her family, St. Croix hospice and Semcil. Her caregivers described her as a joy to take care of. Although it was so difficult to lose such a wonderful woman, she is now free from pain, and in the arms of God.
Diana, who was known by those that loved her as "Lady Di", and "Grammy" to her great-grandchildren, was a strong woman with a boisterous infectious laugh. Everyone that met her loved her immediately. She was a beloved friend, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother and great-grandmother. Diana used her creative talents to make quilts and jewelry for friends and family. She loved to sing, especially with her sisters, dance, and sing karaoke. She also loved to read, and is forever memorialized as the editor for her daughter's book, "Bullied: Journals of the Hurting". Diana also loved to play games and talk to her friends on Facebook, watch television and movies, and play Scrabble. She also loved to gamble, and won quite a bit of money when she went.
Diana was a giving woman, opening her heart and home often to those in need. All of her children's friends called her Mom. This was further represented upon her decision to donate her body to Mayo Foundation for research following her death.
She is survived by four children, Kris Rafdahl (Keith) of Rochester, Minn., Brian Jones (Sonja) of Superior, Robert Kidd (Alison) of Madison, Wis., and Aaron Donovan (Kelly) of St. Paul, Minn. She is survived also by six grandchildren, Keith Rafdahl Jr, Kody Rafdahl, Kristine Gros, Keil Rafdahl, all of Rochester, Minn., Nichole Kidd of Madison, Wis., and Levi Donovan of St. Paul, Minn.; four great-grandchildren, Trinity Rafdahl-Northouse of Rochester, Minn., Blaze Cheever of Lake City, Minn., Caden Cross of Byron, Minn., and Durzo Gros of Rochester, Minn.; her mother, Annabelle Moilenen of Warroad, Minn., four sisters, Wendy Hoppe (Todd) from Anchorage, Alaska, Shari Harder (Dan) of Warroad, Minn., Carrie Lewis of St. Louis, Mo., and Kathleen Martinez from San Jose, Calif., and one brother, Dan Lang (Lori) of Pelican Rapids, Minn. Diana is also survived by many nieces and nephews, who lovingly called her "Auntie Di"
Preceding her in death was her father, William Jones, and son, William (Billy) Kidd, who died at birth.
A celebration of her life will be held at Rochester Assembly of God at 4240 18th Ave NW in Rochester, Minn. The service will be March 16 at 2 p.m., followed by a gathering at Denny's restaurant at 1226 S Broadway in Rochester, Minn. All who knew her are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorials to her children can be sent to: Priscilla (Kris) Rafdahl 1108 7th ST NE, Rochester, MN 55906.
Tags: obituaries
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