Donna Dee Wetmore's Obituary
Donna Dee Wetmore was born January 23,1938 in Tacoma, Washington.
At 2 weeks old Donna was adopted by Harry V Anderson and his wife Alice L Anderson, Donna was their second little girl as they adopted Mary Lou 2 years prior.
They lived in a beautiful home on 78th and Pacific Avenue.
Harry and Alice ran a market in downtown Tacoma where Mary and Donna spent a lot of time.
Donna attended Fern Hill and Lincoln High School. She loved gymnastics, even in her 80's she would love to show you she could still do the splits.
In 1953 Mary and Donna lost their mother. Donna was 15 and it was a really tough time for her.
One day Donna went to Rouche"s, a diner on 82nd and Pacific where she met a fellow named John Jack Wetmore. They dated, fell in love and were married in 1957. They both worked in the grocery business.
John and Donna had 5 children. Burdett ( Kim ), Alice ( Mel ), John ( Charlena ), Dale ( Elizabeth ) and David ( Chanelle ).
Donna was a busy mom. Not only taking care of 5 kids but working as a grocery checker. On top of this, owning and managing rentals they had purchased.
In the early 70's they moved to 11 acres in Rainier. All 7 lived a wonderful country life style, There were many animals including horses, cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys and dogs, a nice balance of work and play.
There was a 4 acre garden that was hand plowed. This was a wonderful place to grow and bond as we all did ,built a very strong family.
In the late 70's the family moved back to Tacoma. Donna gave her children so much love, understanding, chores and taught the love of Jesus Christ.
John and Donna spent time with their kids doing things like camping, picnics, visiting different lakes, rivers and the ocean.
They always enjoyed the kids sports, wrestling, cheerleading, football etc. We also had many get togethers with The Bakers, Maultsby's and others.
Thanks to Donna's daughter, Alice, at the age of 50 Donna met her biological mother, Margaret Baker as well as her husband, Arlie.
They had four daughters, Eileen, Marlene, Becky and Cathy who all had beautiful families of their own. Eileen had passed on before Donna had a chance to meet her... It was wonderful that Donna gained amazing sisters as well as becoming an aunt. The two families became one and they had many family get togethers over the years.
In 1985 Donna lost her father, Harry V. Anderson at the age of 85.
John and Donna moved to the house her dad built on 78th and Pacific Ave.
They were enjoying their life. They watched a little boy named Anthony from time to time. The relationship grew so strong that they adopted Anthony Robert Wetmore at the age of 5. They loved the energy and excitement a young boy brings. They thoroughly enjoyed every part of Anthony's upbringing.
Anthony was a pitcher for Lincoln High School as well as Pierce College and TCC So much fun! So, Donna had 6 kids.
Donna has 16 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. She loves them all. They have all brought her so much joy, happiness and value to her life.
One of which is overseeing the services here today (Ryan Ninnis}
Donna spent decades living in the home her father built (sound familiar) Mary went to be with our lord during that time. {one groovy lady}
Donna lost the love of her life John Jack at the age of 71. They had been married for 50 years. Throughout their 50 years Donna was a loving, dedicated, giving, loyal wife with the same Dreams...
Donna later sold the Pacific Avenue home and lived with her special daughter for years. Alice and Mel were so so good to mom. The last couple years she moved in and lived with Burdett and Kim. They were also so good to mom.
She spent her last days in a memory care facility.
Donna was loved by all who were lucky enough to know her. she loved to go to coffee any chance she could, usually Denny's. She had so many Friends and she always had something nice to say.
Donna loved Jesus Christ our lord and savior. She loved her church family from Tacoma First Church of God to Evergreen Church. Jesus was and is always in her heart.
We love you so much. Wife, Mom, Grandma, Great grandma and Friend..... Go now and rest in peace with Our Lord...
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?