Donna Anderson Obituary

Anderson – Donna Jean, age 88, of Winder, Georgia, passed away on Monday, February 2, 2026, after years of living with dementia. Donna was born in Chicago, IL and is survived by her devoted husband of 67 years, Carl; their four children, Carla Anderson, Mike Anderson, Julie Carter (Ron), and Sara Anderson; beloved Grandchildren, Michael (Sarah), Nicholas (Hanna), Olivia (Aaron), and Daniel; and Great Grandchildren, Levi, Faye, and twins on the way. Also, survived by her brother Richard DeKalb (AZ) and sister Therese DeKalb Dolan (Dennis) (CA). She was preceded in death by her parents Mary McGrath DeKalb and Sam DeKalb. Donna was a faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ, and a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to many. Alongside Carl, she built a warm and loving home In Eatonton, Georgia (Lake Oconee) where family and friends were always invited to gather around her table, worn smooth by years of meals, games, laughter and memories. Her open door, brief visits, and long stays were all cherished, and as guests left, her familiar words, "when will you be back?" were always spoken. Building a family and creating a loving home in Upland, California, brought Donna immense joy. She wove hospitality into daily life, generously volunteering in her community. She served as an assistant Girl Scout leader and treasurer of Foothill Knolls elementary PFF and an active volunteer member of St Joseph Catholic church. After moving to Georgia, her faith guided her life, and she dedicated countless volunteer hours to her church, serving in the Altar Guild, Funeral Ministry, St. Vincent de Paul Society. Together with Carl, she delivered weekly carloads of bread to the Helping Hands Outreach Clinic (Sparta, GA) for many years. In recognition of her service, she was honored as Woman of the Year at Christ Our Savior and King Catholic Church in Greensboro, Georgia. Donna and Carl shared a passion for service through Habitat for Humanity (Eatonton, GA), where she lovingly prepared meals for volunteers and together, they guided new homeowners in the esponsibilities and joys of homeownership. Her hobbies reflected her love of life and others: gardening, walking, riding her stationary bike, baking and cooking, bowling and reigning champion of family checkers. Camping and boating were central family traditions, from the Colorado River to National Parks across the country. Donna and Carl treasured travel, exploring the United States, Canada, Scotland, and Ireland as well as spending winters on Mazatlan coastline in Mexico. Donna may be gone from our sight but will never leave our hearts. Her memory moves softly among us, in shared stories, familiar laughter and the enduring legacy of love she leaves behind.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 25 Wilkins Road, Winder, GA 30680, on Monday February 16, 2026, at 2:00pm. After which, the family invites guests to join them in sharing memories at Ron & Julie's home. Burial will be on Tuesday February 17, 2026, at Honey Creek Woodlands Cemetery, 2625 G-212, Conyers, GA 30094 at 12:30pm.