Donna Eileen (McWhorter) Timmerman passed away peacefully at her Fortuna home in the early morning hours of  June 15th.

She was born to Tom and Bernice McWhorter in 1954.  Maybe because she was the forth of six kids, “Donut,” as our dad called her, was always the quiet one. With her left eye slightly scrunched, she watched and listened.  She had a great sense of humor and an easy chuckle that came frequently as she shared jokes with her funny husband, Perry, or watched the antics of her faithful dogs, Milo and Teddy.

Donna, also known as DT by many, met Perry Timmerman at a track meet in high school. Under the watchful eyes of our parents, they quickly became inseparable. She knew he was the one she with whom she would spend her life. They married in 1974 and remained true partners and best friends for 52 years.  

Their son, Nicolas, was born in 1979, bringing much happiness and joy into their lives. Donna loved being his mother. Her natural shy character was tested when Nicholas had a serious illness at a young age. She became a fierce advocate for Nic. We always admired her steadfast devotion to him, and their special relationship. 

Although Donna had an affinity for numbers and spent her working life in accounting, she was incredibly artistic. Her mediums were jewelry and pottery. She used these artistic talents to create a beautiful home. Seeking out inspirations on Pinterest, she loved to decorate for all the seasons or parties. She could create an atmosphere out of nothing. 

Donna was the “queen” of cookbooks. She loved to thumb through her vast collection, looking for new recipes to serve to  at family gatherings. She was our own “Ina Garten” and “Martha Stewart “ rolled into one,  always generously sharing her creative talents with family & friends. Her artistic soul was highlighted in her beautifully presented meals.

Besides her “boys,” her best friends were her sisters and brother. Over the years, there were many sisters’ weekends that brought much laughter, sharing wine while cooking together, playing games, and spending quality time together just enjoying each other’s company. She also enjoyed trips to Hawaii with Perry and with family.

One adventurous summer, the three Timmermans traveled to Italy. She loved seeing the Vatican and the art but especially staying in a villa in the hills above Florence, enjoying life on a winery.

As our parents aged and faced health issues, Donna was steadfastly there to assist them in anything they needed, be it doctor’s appointments, caregiving, preparing meals or helping to manage their finances. She was a rock for them.

When Donna was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, she went through the process with grace and courage. Even after her ability to talk diminished, she continued to laugh and enjoy the company of family. With the support of family, as part of her care team along with Hospice, Perry became her full-time caregiver and was never far from her side. She always knew when he wasn’t in the room. She would ask where he was and call out for him, and he would come right in, always responding with love and patience. Perry is our hero! The love and devotion they shared is inspiring. 

Donna is survived by her husband Perry; son Nic and his family; sisters Pat, Carol, Kathleen, Ellie and their families; her brothers-in-law Joe and Kelly Timmerman and their families. Her parents, her brother Ted and goddaughter Gretchen passed before her, as did her in-laws Vane and MaryAnn Timmerman and brother-in-law Alan Timmerman. 

The family would like to thank Hospice of Humboldt and the community for their support. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. 

If you wish, you can donate to Kore Family House, 1234 10th Ave., San Francisco, CA 94122, Hospice of Humboldt, or Alzheimers Humboldt.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Donna Timmerman’s family. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.