Obituary of Donna L. Radtke

Mom passed peacefully 4.30.22. She had Parkinson’s & Dementia. The last several years she was just a shell of herself. Her memory would fade but she never forgot who we were and that was a blessing.

Before she passed, we were all together, she was agitated, restless, staring off but we continued to talk to her. We’d been there about 20 minutes, there was silence…then I said, “We love you so much Mom, it’s ok to let go.”

She turned, looked at each one of us and said, “Luv you!” She hadn’t spoken, just little grunts. We knew the time was near and that was her final gift to us. We will never forget that moment, funny how life works.

Mercedes Carbonel & family took the best care of Mom since June, 2020. We fondly refer to Mercedes as, “Mom’s angel.” The care she gives is from the soul, we couldn’t have made it without her. Mom loved it there & that’s what mattered.

 

She grew up on Whidbey Island, moving to Seattle after her and our Dad (Norm Josephson) got married.

When Dad started his teaching career, we moved to Lacey, WA. Mom was tenacious, vibrant, caring, loving, firm, feisty, & the rock! She made her mark on the world by accepting & shaping lives of those she met.

We got to call her, “Mom,” but we shared her with so many. She was the daycare lady. She encouraged us to be strong, think on our feet, try new things, but mostly be true to who we are. We were very active and she

went to almost all our games/functions, even with our daycare family in tow. She always did the best she could with what she had, which wasn’t a lot. If she had $3 left, she would give each of us girls a dollar.

Some of the best memories of her really sum up who she was. Her and a friend dressed up as a witch & a ghost and ran thru our elementary school on Halloween. She was the loudest Mom in the stands cheering us on. She

was a softball coach, she played volleyball, and loved any at home yard games. She loved hard, protected us harder, & we have everything in us because of the way we were raised. She was before her time, let us make mistakes.

As she became a grandma, one could see the intense love for them. She knew the value of memories & she made so many. One she ensured happened was a family trip to Tokeland. There was always clam dip, crab, whip cream, burnt burgers,

her potato salad, and GAMES…so many GAMES. There’s no doubt she left us with memories for years to come. Mom was sassy, sarcastic, and could find the good in any situation. She loved the Seahawks, especially Steve Largent! Every Seahawk game started with a red beer. If you want to give a nod to Mom, have a red beer the next Seahawks game! She was born a West so loved her slot machines, so many fun times were had pushing those buttons. Her love for life was genuine and contagious.

She is already sooo missed.

 

At her request there will not be a formal gathering. We encourage you to raise an adult beverage and share a story. With social media, it’s a great way to keep those stories alive. Many have been shared and it brings peace to the family to know how widespread her life was.

 

Her husband, Walt Radtke, preceded her in death in 2001. Her living legacy includes:

Roberta Josephson Hamilton (David,) Christine Josephson Fox (David,) Terea Josephson Fowler (Mike,)

Brother Clint West (Pat,) Grandkids Jen Hamilton (Richard,) Karleigh Shannon Coreson (Chris,) Zachary Fox, Sarah Fox Hogan (Hobie,) Tanner Fowler, & Camden Fowler.

She was blessed with 3 great grandkids, Remie, Nico, & Reagan. Many Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Daycare Families, etc.

 

Rest in Peace Mama, we won’t let your candle burn out.

LUV YA!

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