She was born on Halloween in 1952
And from early childhood she knew
No one was ever going to tell her how to live
Or what to do.
Left Wisconsin as soon as school was done
Headed out west chasing the setting sun
With a girl in Phoenix who shared the same desires
They had some fun
Years passed and she made her way to Durango
Started fighting fires all over Colorado
Got so good at it they named her Firefighter of the Year
Lived like a desperado
Some are born to be free spirits, wild and untamed
Living unapologetically, living unashamed
Can't be tied to a life they haven't chosen
Refuse to be restrained
On a sunny day in the second week of November
Took her pistol out and decided to surrender
She died on her terms in the mountains that she loved
Amid the scrub and timber
Fourteen people holding candles, bearing witness
Remembering her smile, how she loved to fish
Tears well up in eyes under a waxing moon
Donna Jean will be missed
Chris, I knew Donna many years ago. I was devastated to read of her passing. She shall forever be remembered and missed.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I were heartbroken when we heard the news about Donna. We are currently living overseas and felt so helpless. Everyday I look in the Durango Herald for an obituary, not really expecting to find one. A friend sent me this link today, and it made me happy to know that she is being remembered. She was quite the character, with a heart of gold. One of the hardest working people I've ever met. Just wish life had been as kind to her as she was to everyone she met. Was wondering what has become of her beloved dog Russell?
ReplyDeleteRussell has been adopted into Donna's friend Rich's family and will continue to be a part of the lives of many more of Donna's friends.
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