Judith Donaldson

Judith Louise Donaldson 83 April 27, 1930 - October 22, 2013

Our beautiful Judith L. Donaldson, 83 of Bellaire formerly of The Villages, FL and San Diego, CA passed peacefully October 22, 2013 at Cherry Hill Haven in Kalkaska after difficulties surrounding Alzheimer's Disease. Many heartfelt thanks to the staff at Cherry Hill Haven & Hospice of Michigan for their loving care & devotion. Nothing compares to this wonderful care that was received.

Judith was born in Germany on April 27, 1930. Although having a difficult beginning to her life being raised on & off in an orphanage Judy followed every opportunity she could during her early teen years becoming a housekeeper then on to become a nurse after WW II. While in Germany she met & was adopted by a loving military couple Wilbur & Charlotte Turner who brought Judith to California. Both precede her in death. Judy continued her education receiving a master's degree in education from the University of LaVerne. Judith was a celebrated & praised elementary teacher for over 30 years.

On new year's eve 1982/83 Judith married Joseph Donaldson who preceded her in death in 2001. She is survived by her significant other Paul DiNofrio of Bellaire whom she met in 2003. In a private ceremony they exchanged rings in 2004 and called each other husband & wife. Also surviving are Paul's daughters Paula Davila, Cynthia (Alan) Hickman, Sandra (Dean) Wade, and many loving grandchildren. Being around children was always her most comfortable heart place.

Judith was an accomplished artist and beautiful singer. Her favorite artistic pastimes included watercolor, needlepoint, long-stitch and jewelry making which she did as a business after retiring from teaching. Judith loved keeping up with her German heritage being part of the German Club & was also a member of the Red Hats Society in Lady Lake Florida. She took pride in giving & being the welcome lady for over 8 years at Hope Lutheran Church in The Villages greeting churchgoers every Sunday until 2009.

Judy was blessed with the opportunity to travel the world, taking trips back to her homeland Germany, Italy, Thailand, Japan & China. Her last was in 2006, a treasured trip to Austria.

The family celebrates Judith's life every day and will have a gathering of family & friends at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hospice of Michigan www.hom.org/donate-volunteer

Arrangements have been handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.