Donna M. Cannon, 78

Donna Marie Cannon, 78, passed away peacefully on April 10, 2015 in Coeur d'Alene, ID. She was born August 22, 1936 in Yreka, CA, the younger of two children, to Donald D. Neilson and Esther Neilson. The family relocated to Seattle, where Donna spent her girlhood, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1954. After a brief career in retail selling handbags to the stars in Hollywood, Donna married Lee Cannon in 1955, embarking on a new life as the wife of a U.S. Air Force officer. Over the years they were stationed in Newfoundland, San Bernardino, Great Falls, Cape Canaveral and Vandenberg AFB. Along the way they had four boys.

In the 1980s, Donna embraced a newly single life, returning to the workforce and making her own way as an independent woman. She lived for many years in Lompoc, CA before moving to Coeur d'Alene to be with her two youngest sons. Idaho was a wonderful change of scenery, and she quickly settled in to the more leisurely pace it afforded.

In later years, Donna first moved to the Loyalton Retirement Community, where she established herself as an unofficial ambassador, always the first to welcome new residents and show them the lay of the land. Everyone knew Donna very well. Health considerations prompted a move in 2013 to Legends Park, where she again found new friends easily. Actively social, she was always ready with a witty remark or a wry observation. With her regular dining companions, she enjoyed good laughs and conversation over an occasional glass of wine.

In addition to playing the piano, Donna was a talented cook, an excellent party planner and a very qualified seamstress. She loved creating costumes and could be regularly counted on to walk away with First Prize at the annual Halloween party. Of all her accomplishments, though, Donna always took greatest pride in rearing four upstanding children. She felt confident they'd been prepared to find their way in the world, separately and together, and would carry on capably once she was gone.

Donna Cannon is immediately survived by her sons Glen, Eric, Cliff and Ron; her older brother Grant Neilson; and her beloved cat, Natti.

To celebrate Donna's life, the family is planning a private event to be held later this summer.

The Cannons would like to express gratitude to the hard working staff at Legends Park, the caregivers at Life Care Center of Coeur d'Alene, and for the extra personal touch provided by Comfort Keepers with their kind assistance and support.

We will miss you, Mom.

Service Date: Private