Dona Mae Offner's Obituary
Dona was born in Bismarck, North Dakota on October 27, 1932.
She passed away February 15, 2021, surrounded by her family.
She was 88 years old.
She is survived by her younger brother Ellsworth (“Boy”) Finlayson; son Larry Offner;
daughter Karen (Marc) Harris, grandson Matt Harris, granddaughter Melissa (Jordan)
Harris-Grier, great-grandchildren Kaydin & Kenzie Harris-Grier; grandson Brandon
(Stephanie) Offner, great-grandchildren Pierce & Savannah Offner, and Jadeine;
granddaughter Christen Offner-Williams, and great-grandchildren Ava & Landan
Williams.
Dona was preceded in death by her beloved sons, Greg and Ken Offner; parents,
Ellsworth and Bertha Finlayson; sister, Jean Farrar; brothers, Frank (Scotty) and
Leonard Finlayson.
Dona grew up in Milton, WA, graduated Fife High School in 1951.
She married, started her family of four children, and resided in her Puyallup home for
the rest of her beautiful life. She was such a loving woman who cared and loved so
deeply for her family and friends. She was that neighborhood mom that kids flocked to,
for her gourmet cooking, baking, games, laughter, dancing, and fun. She poured her
heart into being a den mother, brownie leader, and was active in the PTA.
She enjoyed fellowship with her bible study group at Central Lutheran Church. Her
passion was evident for family, friends, children, veterans, animals, gardening,
homemaking, family trips, holidays and the Seattle Seahawks.
She lovingly cared for her disabled son, Greg, for 47 years.
Dona was a hard worker all of her life. She worked at Pacific Lutheran University in
Student Services for 24 years, retiring in 1997. She then worked as a Caregiver for 34
years for Catholic Community Services, retiring in August of 2020 at the age of 87; a
monumental achievement. She dedicated her life to loving and caring for others. Dona
will be deeply missed and remembered for her gentle spirit, kind heart, and her love.
As she would say, “Love is the greatest gift.”
What’s your fondest memory of Dona?
What’s a lesson you learned from Dona?
Share a story where Dona's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Dona you’ll never forget.
How did Dona make you smile?