Donna Kay Cushing, January 19, 1945 - February 21, 2024

Donna Kay Cushing (Griffin), 79, of La Conner, passed away in the evening of Feb. 21, 2024, of heart failure. Donna was the second child of four born to Jack and Elva Griffin on Jan. 19, 1945, in Kalamazoo, Mich. Donna spent her young years in Otsego, Mich., attending school, enjoyed dancing with friends at the town hall, and visiting her dear grandparents in Otsego, and up north in Mikado, Mich.

Donna married Richard Cushing in 1971. Their marriage lasted 53 years. Donna enjoyed a 30-plus-year career at GTE/Verizon. Some of her positions there started in customer service on a telephone rotary helping customers calling in for new phone service or for repairs. She progressed to managing Phone Mart Stores, and then Marketing Event manager. Donna traveled the U.S. to host GTE customers who sponsored sports events such as baseball, football, basketball, senior golf. The Seattle-based sports teams sponsors were also her responsibility.

Donna's people personality, kindness, humor and communication skills made longtime friends, and that experience at GTE became a highlight of her life's memories.

Donna lived in a very friendly neighborhood where she helped put on the Fourth of July get-together with some truly great neighbors. Donna enjoyed interior decorating her home, and shopping for decorations that went together. She also enjoyed creating pots and hanging baskets of flowers. Donna made delicious meals for the family's holiday get-togethers. After Donna retired, she enjoyed raising puppies two times: first Oliver then Anton. Donna enjoyed 30 plus years of sailing Puget Sound and the Gulf Islands with Rich.

Donna is survived by a sister Carol (Jack) and family, and niece Buffy (Roy) and family in Michigan; husband Rich, daughter Debbie and son David (Nancy); grandchildren, Brittany (Serian), Cole (Kaitlyn), Mitchel (Cassidy); great-grandchildren, Angela, Aiden , Landon, Mila Ann, Zoey Lynn and Rhett; great-great-granddaughter Hayleigh Mae; sisters Sheila (John) and Louise; and many nieces and nephews.

Donna was a very kind, thoughtful, loving, caring person with a wonderful heartwarming smile. Donna did not wish to have services. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice.