Dona Lee Osborn

Dona is my cousin.  Our Mothers are sisters.  We have always lived in Virginia and the Brutons have lived in Arizona for many years, and despite the distance the bond of family has always been there.  As younger cousins we would see each other periodically or correspond through letters.  As adults our own families took our attention and time, and many years passed.  I then made a trip to Las Vegas  with plans to drive to Phoenix to stay with Dona's parents, my Aunt Joyce and Uncle Roy, for several days.  Dona couldn't get down there at that time, but she came to Vegas with her grandson Cody and we spent a wonderful day together, like time and space had never interferred.  We hugged, laughed, talked and enjoyed lunch together.  We talked about she and her family coming to Viriginia, taking the grandchildren to Williamsburg and some of the other great historical places Virginia has to offer.  Through emails I would remind her that Viriginia and I were still waiting.  Sadly, that will not happen now and I am very sad that I will not be able to enjoy the company of Dona.  The Bruton girls (Dee, Dona and Linda) are amazing women that I love very much and each has given me great inspiration to strive to be a better person. 

 One of my favorite memories of Dona was one day when we had a confused patient on the unit, Dona the "always a nurse at heart" had gone on to see if she could help him with is his confusion.  The patient was wearing "mitts" so he could not do some of the things he had been doing to get out of the bed.  While Dona was in the room talking to him, the patient took his hand in the mitt and hit her on the side of her head.  She continued to talk to him, at a little bit more of a distance, but not so far, he could not reach her.  Dona  got him to settle down and had turned to leave the room when the patient patted her on her butt.  She came out of the patients room and came into the nursing station a bit insensed, she was telling us about this.  I could not help myself, the way she was telling it, it sounded sooooooo funny, that I laughed until the tears were rolling down my face.  Dona, when I started laughing, still a bit insensed but with a half a grin said, "DAVID!!! It's not funny".  By the time I gained my composure she was laughing about the whole thing.  I became quite a standing thing for me to tease her about.  She was such a dear hearted soul.  I miss her so very much.  I have been in nursing a long time.  But Dona still have things to teach each of us, and she always done it willing and with joy.  She knew how to get her employees to do what she wanted them to, without much grumbling from them.  We all knew Dona was tough, but we understood where she was coming from and would do what we were supposed to do for her.  I think Dona had the constitution of a bull.  She would come into work when she could hardly walk and would work the full day.  She would come into work when she was 2-3 pints of blood low and would work the day, and then get her blood transfusions.  I admired her and always will.  Dona, I know your soul was in Heaven before you exhaled the last time.  Your friend, employee and coworker, David

Dona was one of the first persons I met when I came to WARMC. I have always loved her and her spirit. She was my first Core Measures Champion, which I will always appriciate. She will be greatly missed.

Dona,
You have touched so many lives.  You were truly an inspiration to everyone you came into contact with. I am honored to have worked with you from 1996-2001. And then even if we did not see eachother very often, it was a sure thing to exchange Christmas cards everyyear. You always had such a positive attitude in every situation.  Your dedication and loving care was more than anyone could every ask for in a nurse, friend, boss, and coworker,  I have so many fun and fond memories working with you over the years.  Your wisdom and genuine qualities are remarkable. Not only were you a co-worker, and then a boss, but a valued friend to me and so many others.  I learned so much from you.  I remember how you loved how protective us girls always were of you and when we would force you to go home whenever you tried to stay too late at work.  As soon as we would mention Steve's name....a smile would swoop over your face, you would run and grab your stuff, and out the door you would run...."see you girls tomorow."  I remember many proud conversations of you talking about your children and grandchildren.  Thank you for the wonderful person you were. You have touched my heart deeply and I will always hold the memories dear to my heart. 

My memories of Dona is of a person with greatness!  When she talked, you heard her.  When she laughed, you had to laugh.  When she was mad, you felt it.  She was full of passion.  Her mother and father was always so proud of her.  Her life was full in all ways.  I still see her smiling and being so full of life.  She will be missed and we love her.  May there be a bright star in the sky with her shining from it to remind us of her passions.  God Bless.  Rose

I have struggled to find words to adequately express my deep sadness at Dona's death.   She was a woman of deep faith and was loved and respected by all who were blessed to know her.  Her love will continue to be felt, but her absence leaves a huge hole in the Osborn and Bruton families, and also the Basso clan in Virginia.   I draw strength from knowing she is with God and our family members who have gone before us.   May God bless her loving family, Sharon

There will never be any words that convey the love and admiration I have for my dear sister. In 2001 Dee, Dona, and I took sister trips spending time with Dee who Dona now has joined in heaven. Our trips were so special and full of laughter. Dona would want to go to the card section of a store and we all would read the humorous cards. Dona's laugh is so contagious and we would howl on the floor.. New Years Eve a couple years in a row at Steve and Dona's we would eat great food and watch the Sopranos DVD collection. Memories that all 3 of us sisters cherished! Dona became a nurse and was the epitome of patient care tireless employeeand still served through her CMA and church organizations. If you were given the blessing of meeting my dear sister you were touched by an Angel. In the blink of an eye she was taken and I will forever miss her... Dona go and fly with the Angels, love you Linda

Dear Donna's family  and Steve,
I will miss her beautiful face and great smile at the CMA rallies. She was such an inspiration to me about my daughter! I was so excited to hear about her son when we had been praying for each others children. It was a great hope to always pray and never give up. God will answer our prayers. She was such a blessing to the CMA folks at the State events always helping in everyway. Never even knew that had had gone thru cance rshe was just working like crazy at the CMA rallies and SOR. So glad we will get to rejoice and be together in heaven someday around the throne of God rejoicing about what He has done!!!My love and our prayers go out to you Steve and family. My comfort you and bring you peace. May her bring healing to you in Jesus name. May GOd's blessings flow to you in this hour as you need it. May His healing and strength be upon you!!

Dona, I really appreciated your sense of humor.  I loved how you had a nickname for everyone.  My favorites were cupcake or missy.  Your way of being a fun lovin Mamma to us was a blessing. I loved it when ever there was trouble you were there you had our back.  You had a way of making me feel supported and cared for.  My favorite thing you use to do was as soon as the dayshift started.  You would make your overhead announcements.  Looking back it was so funny!! At first you would greet the patients "Saying Good Morning Patients, I am Dona the Manager, today we have Nurse Lydia and you would continue to name the staff and state if there is any need Please do not hesitate to call. You were funny!!   It kinda reminded me of take a airplane ride.  The flight attendant would make the overhead announcements. I will miss you very much! I learned so much working in your department. I know you are in God's glory and one way we will meet again. Love Ya!