Obituary of Donna Mae Buck

It is with sorrow in our hearts, that we inform you of the passing of Donna Buck Loved by Many-Respected by all our mom, grandma, sister, aunt, and friend and ally...

Fourteen (14) days ago, Donna found out she had terminal cancer. She did not show any signs of discomfort or pain. That's Donna...she just wouldn't!! She passed away, peacefully, Oct 4th ...with her family and best friend, Carol, by her side. Donna would have wanted us to use her passing as a tool to better our lives. So together, we will harness that sadness into strength, and move forward with new conviction. Viewing will be Friday, October 9th from 4:00 - 9:00 PM, at Edwards Memorial - 11020 South Tacoma Way, Lakewood 98499.

She was born in Bismarck, ND to Claude and Helen Braunagel. She was second in a line of seven kids. Three brothers Don, Ken & Ray and three sister’s Linda, Eileen & Cindy. And many nieces and nephews who all loved her dearly! She married Basil Buck on June 9, 1967. They came to Tacoma for Basil’s job with the railroad and decided “THIS WAS HOME”. And to this union Melody (Alan Wilson) Basil’s daughter became Donna’s daughter that she never had. And Donna’s only son and Best Friend Patrick (Pat) was born Jan 23rd 1970. She has three grandsons Tyson, Andy and Tyler.

We could go on and on about where she grew up, her childhood, her flaws, and her strengths. But we decided to focus on one thing that’s Donna’s generosity. She belonged to many organizations and made a definite contribution and was always the worker bee. She helped promote local events, and always the advocate on critical issues, and organize a wide range of programs. Donna didn’t just organize these showed up and worked these events. Usually the first to arrive and the last to leave, Donna visited hospitals, nursing homes, Veterans homes and often worked calling Bingo or any other activity to bring a smile to their face, allowing them, if only briefly, to take their minds off of their struggles. She touched the lives of so many and made her mark with kindness and compassion.

Donna was the most generous human being on the planet, and her track record proved that.

Anybody with such drive and determination to help others deserves nothing but the respect and admiration. Her contributions touched thousands of people not only in her community, but also across the Veteran Community. Donna lives on with her family and friends. She was true to herself and others. Donna lived life las a giver never a taker always putting others first. Never allowing what others said couldn’t happen to just stop there. Donna “MADE IT HAPPEN”. An example is with the Covid pandemic Donna heard it was days until one of the local Veteran’s facilities was going to be out of paper products. (Toilet paper) Well Donna was on a mission and out she went stopping at every store along the ways and buying the limit (one) and in doing so she became friends with managers at stores that upon hearing what she was doing would allow her to buy more than the limit of ONE. Well she delivered again and truck loads were delivered to the Veterans.

Leaving a broken world behind. One in which she woke every morning and did her best to fix what she could. It was a pleasure and a privilege to have loved Donna. God Bless you Donna go rest you faithful servant your job is done. Now it’s our turn to carry on.

The insert is a nomination Donna is up for. WA-State Dept. of Veterans Affairs Distinguished (Volunteer) Service Award. The "COVID Closure Mad Dash" was Donna's triumphant 2020 special project. (WE KNOW IN OUR HEARTS SHE CERTAINLY QUALIFIED TO WIN)

 

For many of us, Donna Buck was a role model; a hands-on Volunteer, Mentor; a valuable resource; a referral service with the right contacts and political allies; a behind-the-scene facilitator; and a “worker-bee.” As the one-woman “Project coordinator / buyer / packer & distributor,” Donna would call on her affiliated Veterans volunteer group(s) to add funds or goods to guarantee a more successful project outcome. For nearly two (2) decades, Donna Buck helped shape volunteer Projects and programs for the betterment of Veterans, their Families, our Community and Hospitals. Donna Buck was an active member, an officer, or an associate of the Following Volunteer Service organizations: (Listed are Donna’s projects & duties)

Ø Gold Star Wives – Tahoma Chapter

Gold Star License Plates – Advocate / Lobbyist

Ø American Lake VA Voluntary Services Deputy

Ø Puget Sound Veterans Hope Center Board of Directors – Treasurer Veterans Resource Center at TRM – Provided bedding, goods & hygiene products Orting Veterans Village – Advocate / Supporter / Fund Raiser Joeseppi’s March 12th Fundraiser (for Orting Veterans Village) – Planning Committee

Ø FBI Rescued Child Victims of Sex Traffickers

Donor – clothing, hygiene products, bears & blankets, school supplies

Ø Oakland – Madrona Neighborhood Council

Resident-Member

Ø Pierce County Heroes to Hometowns Charter Member

Ø South Tacoma Business District

First Responders Christmas Day Dinner - Coordinator, Buyer, Cook & Server Annual South Tacoma Way Car Show – Show-Day Cars Registrar & Event Volunteer

Ø VFW #10018 Auxiliary – Narrows Bridge

Auxiliary #10018 - Hospital Chairperson American Lake Veterans Golf Course – Provided refreshments & supplies Homeless Veterans Program – at PSVHC & VA – Provided goods & supplies

Ø AMVETS Post 1 Ladies Auxiliary 2008 – 2019 Auxiliary #1 Co-Treasurer Bears & Blankets – Packaged “comfort” for kids in crisis & gave to first Responders American Lake Veterans Golf Course - Provided coffee & refreshments, fundraisers American Lake VA Blind Rehab Bingo – Brought prizes, refreshments & assistance American Lake VA Child Care Center – Supplied blankets & stuffed animals American Lake VA Domiciliary – Furnished crafts, food, goods & special requests American Lake VA Women’s Clinic –Breast Cancer Awareness giveaway, Holiday party American Lake VA Supportive Housing – Provided clothing, housewares & supplies

American Lake VA Homeless Vets Outreach – Furnished clothing & supplies American Lake VASH Kitsap Kids – Furnished backpacks, school supplies & gifts American Lake VASH Serenity Angels – (Past) Asst. Coordinator & Donor PSVHC Homeless Veterans at TRM – Provided clothing, food, PPEs & supplies

Graveside Services to be held at Tahoma National Cemetery on October 19, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers please donate to AMVETS, VFW, Gold Star Wifes or your favorite local trusted Veteran’s organization.