Donna Joann Severson's Obituary
On September 2, 2025, the world lost a little of its light when Donna Joann Severson, 92, of Tacoma, Washington, slipped peacefully into the arms of her Savior. Born to Lester and Grace Baker in Bismarck, North Dakota, on November 7, 1932, Donna was the eldest of nine children — a role she embraced with a fierce, protective love that would become her life’s signature.
Donna graduated with Valedictorian Honors from Buckley High School in 1950. During high school she attended 4-H Camp where, at the age of 15, she met the love of her life, Richard (Dick) Severson. They married four years later and shared seventy-one wonderful years of married love before Dick passed away in 2023.
Following High School, Donna took a bookkeeping position with Penn Salt at the Tacoma Tideflats. She worked there until she and Dick were married and started their family.
Donna’s heart was vast enough to hold the world. She was a proud and loving mother of seven, yet her love spilled far beyond her own family. To the countless children she served as a school kitchen manager, she was more than the lady behind the counter — she was a safe place, a warm smile, and a hug that could turn a day around. She mothered with her whole being, whether it was her own children, the students who adored her, or the many souls she took under her wing. Her compassion also found a home at L’Arche Tahoma Hope where she gave her time, laughter, and tenderness to those with mental and physical challenges.
Faith was the heartbeat of Donna’s life. As Religious Education Director at St. John of the Woods Catholic Church, she and her beloved husband, Dick, were steady pillars of their parish, having various roles within the liturgy. Together, they mentored church youth group, she taught religious education, and guided generations in faith, building a community rooted in love, service, and joy.
Donna’s joy was as bright as her favorite color, emerald green. She loved the scent of lilacs in spring, the feel of earth between her fingers in the garden, and the sway of music — especially when dancing with Dick. She was stubborn in the best way, feisty enough to keep life interesting, and blessed with a humor that could lift any spirit. She enjoyed music and the sound of her voice would accompany her children as they sang along in the car. She sang soothing lullabies, and would often wake the children up with the sounds of music, a beautiful way to start and end the day. She cherished the years she and Dick (and the family) lived in Hawaii, and she never missed a chance to sing along with any song she would hear.
She leaves behind a legacy as rich as the life she lived. She will be forever loved by her seven children — Debbie Sanders (Gary), Diana Williams (Dan), Doreen Hanson (Dennis), Rich Severson (Kathy), Denise Foster (Mike), Roger Severson (Kathy), and Dawn Knowles (Rick); 15 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her siblings David (Nancy) Baker, Eileen Smith, Grace Stansell, and Jay (Candy) Baker.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Grace Baker, her brothers, Les Baker, Gene Baker and Fran Baker, her sister Patsy Prukop and several brother and sister in laws.
Donna’s life was a living lesson in kindness, faith, and the quiet power of showing up for others. She made the world softer, brighter, and more beautiful — one child, one smile, one act of love at a time.
A funeral Mass will be held at St. John of the Woods Catholic Church, where Donna’s spirit will forever linger in the pews, the classrooms, and the hearts of all who knew her.
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