Donna Van Velzer

In Loving Memory of Donna Van Velzer

Donna Rosella Van Velzer, 101, passed away peacefully alongside her loved ones on April 2.

Born on April 29, 1923, in Springfield, MN, Donna was the beloved daughter of Torvold and Nora Anderson. She married Don Van Velzer in November of 1944 and had four children- Don, Patti, Craig, and Janna. She moved to Astoria, OR in 1958, which she called home for 67 years.

Donna’s outstanding legacy includes six grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, with an eleventh on the way. All her grandchildren lovingly called her Grammy and always knew where to go to sneak a piece of chocolate or licorice.

Donna was a mother, homemaker, provider, life-long Catholic, and volunteer. She worked at St. Mary’s Star of The Sea, serving lunch, freshly baked treats, and a smile to hundreds of kids. As a staple at the school for over 26 years, she fed multiple generations of Astorians. Donna later volunteered at the Columbia Memorial Hospital gift shop for over 20 years, cementing herself as a compassionate presence throughout the community.

Donna loved the Portland Trail Blazers. Perpetually cheering on the team, she affectionately referred to each player by their first name. She scribbled notes about the league on countless pads of paper she received in the mail from the myriads of charities and foundations she supported.

She also loved to play games, especially cards and dominoes. She taught each of her grandchildren how to play before teaching them how to lose, cracking a thin smile with each victory. She was relentless in Bingo, winning all the dimes of her co-residents at Astor Place, where she called home for seven years.

Donna was a tender woman, whose faith and curiosity guided an enduring life. She believed everyone deserves the right to live whatever life they desire. Her accepting and generous mentality cascaded to everyone in her family, wherein her love will continue to grow.

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She is now reunited with her husband, Don, and her son, Craig.

Donna was a bedrock to the Astoria community. If you wish to take part in the celebration of her life, a rosary will be held at 10:30 am, followed by the funeral at 11 am, at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, on Saturday, April 12.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Donna’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital