Our hearts are broken as we all mourn the loss of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, Donna Rene Morais, who passed away surround by all her loved ones on Wednesday June 29, 2022 at the age of 62.

Donna’s bright light and big heart left us too soon, but we will remember her warmth, love, and generosity that she gave to all she knew.

Donna was born on September 7, 1959 to Francis and Elizabeth Stram in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was raised in Orange County, California with her brother Mark and her sister Jolene. Later, Donna married and moved to Vista, California where she raised her two children, Michael and Ciara. While living in Vista, Donna was a sales rep for Eastman Office Products. Donna became PADI certified to scuba dive in 1990; she loved the ocean and anything in nature. In 1992, she moved to Loleta, California where she was able to work and put herself through school; she went on to earn her Masters degree in education at Humboldt State University. She spent the next 20+ years doing what she loved best: teaching special education students in several schools in Humboldt County.

Donna was most happy when she was surrounded by her family. Her 2 children and five grandchildren were her pride and joy and she beamed whenever she would talk about them and their latest accomplishments. She also loved spending time in her garden, it was relaxing for her and brought her so much joy to see the fruits of her labor.

Donna met the love of her life, Helder Morais, in Willow Creek in July 2011. They got married in a beautiful ceremony on October 6, 2018. Her family had never seen her happier than the time she spent with Helder. Together they enjoyed spending time with their dog, Duke, who she adored.

Donna never met a stranger and to know her was to love her. She loved to make others laugh and when she got to laughing hard she’d snort. She just had a way of making you feel so comfortable and loved. There was never a dull moment when Donna was around, she had fun no matter what she was doing. She loved music and recently had started learning to paint with watercolors and making terrariums.

Donna is preceded in death by her father, Francis Stram, her mother, Elizabeth (Betty) Stram and her best friend, Laura Paulsen.

Donna is survived by her husband, Helder, her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Missi Lockwood, her daughter and son-in-law, Ciara and Zach Weaver, her grandchildren, Maggie, Kaila, Elliot, Kira and Nash, her stepchildren Jarin and Sarah Morais, her brother and his wife, Mark and Shelly Stram, her sister, Jolene Towle, her nephew and niece, Matthew Stram and Courtney Stram as well as many many extended family, friends, and students in the education world.

Donna’s celebrations of life will be held at a later date.

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