Donna Jean Beacock's Obituary
Donna Beacock, 95, passed away peacefully, surrounded by all four of her children, in Hughson, CA on February 21, 2024.
Donna was born in Oakland, California to Gertrude and Ernest Minger, on February 4, 1929. She was the second of four children, older brother Richard and younger sister Shirley and Charles respectively. Donna’s first marriage was to Marvin Kerstetter with whom she had two children, Kathy and David. She later divorced and married Nordean Beacock, a trumpet player in a jazz band who she met while he was playing at the Sands Ballroom in Oakland, CA. They had two children, Karen and Brian, and were married for 46 years before Nordean passed away in 2003.
She was best known by everyone for her infectious laugh and her love of family. She made friends easily and her closest friends were always considered part of her family.
Donna was a teacher’s aide, secretary, homemaker, loving wife, mother and friend. She loved animals and there was never a time where she wouldn’t stop to pet a passing dog and have a conversation with the pet’s owner. She was talented and creative: doll making probably being her greatest love and achievement. Her dolls were featured on the covers of doll magazines, and one doll was even displayed on the Blue Room Christmas tree at the United States White House.
Donna was an avid traveler, having visited places like Thailand, Alaska, Hawaii, Germany, London, and Paris, just to name a few. She was adventurous and was the epitome of the phrase ”feel the fear and do it anyway.” She loved traveling with her son, Brian. Even in her later years, her adventurous spirit remained, taking them on a tram up the Matterhorn, running down cobblestone streets in Rome, and white water rafting or go-carting down the hillside in New Zealand. Donna being of Swiss descent, traveled several times to Switzerland, where on her first trip, they found the house where her father lived, which was one of her most exciting discoveries on their trips together.
Her love of laughter came out in full force with watching her favorite shows like Carol Burnett and I Love Lucy, the latter of which she watched repeatedly over and over until the day she died. She was a loving grandmother to Michelle and Joshua and adored her great grandchildren, Brayden, Haley and Xander. She spent only five months at Samaritan Village care facility in Hughson, California, and in that short time, she melted the hearts of the caregivers there who all thought she was special. Because she was.
She was predeceased by her husband Nordean, her grandson Joshua, sister Shirley, and her two brothers, Charles and Richard.
She is survived by her daughters, Kathy and Karen, sons, David and Brian, granddaughter, Michelle, great grandchildren, Brayden, Haley and Xander, and many nieces and nephews.
She was the most wonderful mother and loving grandmother and a great friend to many. She was absolutely loved by everyone who knew her. She and her laughter will never be forgotten. We will love you and miss you forever.
What’s your fondest memory of Donna?
What’s a lesson you learned from Donna?
Share a story where Donna's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Donna you’ll never forget.
How did Donna make you smile?