Jodonna Lee Nishimura's Obituary
Jodonna Lee Nishimura (Donovan) was born on September 22, 1961 in Oklahoma to Richard and Judy Sides, although her birth certificate says September 23rd. Those closest to her always celebrated on September 22nd.
Jo passed away peacefully on September 10, 2015 in Marysville, Washington with her two daughters by her side.
Jodonna, or more affectionately known as Jo, was a hardworking, compassionate woman who dedicated her life to raising her two daughters. When her daughters grew up and had families of their own, Jo prided herself on being an amazing Nana for her three grandchildren. Although Jo was born and raised in the South, she had lived in the great Pacific Northwest for over thirty years and enjoyed visiting the vast beaches and local towns with many shops to explore. Jo was an avid traveler who enjoyed taking yearly vacations to tropical destinations, earning these trips through hard work and dedication to her profession. She always returned with mementos to share with the loves of her life, her three grandchildren. Jo loved the Puyallup Fair and went every year for over thirty years. She loved to look at the various vendors and pick up interesting items she saw along the way. She loved to add to her beautiful glass egg collection that she has been expanding for as long as anyone can remember.
She has worked for Sally Beauty Supply for over a decade, sharing her expertise and skills while advancing to higher positions. She started as an associate and diligently worked her way to District Manager. Jo experienced a deepening of faith prior to her passing. She often talked about receiving visits from Jesus, providing peace for her to leave this world and strengthening the faith of her family.
Jo was always up for a challenge and enjoyed new experiences. She offered kind words and a gentle heart. The world is a dimmer place without her in it. Her grandchildren will always know the love she felt for them and those remaining will have the gift of having her in their lives, even if that time does not seem long enough. No measure of time would be long enough.
She precedes her father, Richard Sides, in death and is truly missed by her dad. She is survived by her second husband George Nishimura, the father of her two daughters, and her third husband Thomas Finnegan, Jr.
She is greatly missed by her daughter Mandi, along with her wife Marisa and daughter Madison, her daughter Alissa, along with her fiancee Travis and daughter Kylee and son Chase, brothers Randy and Kirk, nephew Alec and numerous additional family members and hundreds of friends that grew to be family from Sally Beauty Supply.
Jo joins her mother Judy in Heaven.
"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." - Helen Keller
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