Sally Ann Donneaud, 81

Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Sally Ann Donneaud, 81, passed away peacefully on Feb. 29, 2016, in Bucerias, Mexico. A memorial service was held on March 5, 2016, at the La Fuente Church in Bucerias, where Sally’s Mexican community honored her memory.

Sally was born on Jan. 22, 1935, in Seattle, Wash. Sally grew up in Spokane, Wash., and graduated from Lewis and Clark High School. After graduation, she went to work for the Spokane Chronicle. During that time, she met Donald D. Donneaud through a blind date set up by a high school friend. Don was in the Air Force and stationed at Geiger Field in Spokane. After a short courtship, they married on Valentine’s Day of 1954. They moved to Post Falls where they resided until Don’s passing in 2011.

After being a homemaker and mother of three small children, Sally decided to go back to school to fulfill her dream of being a school teacher. She attended North Idaho Junior College (now North Idaho College) and graduated in 1969 with her associate’s degree. She finished her education at Eastern Washington State College (now Eastern Washington University) earning her bachelor’s degree in 1971. Sally began her teaching career with Post Falls School District, teaching third grade at Frederick Post Elementary. She continued teaching third grade at Seltice and Ponderosa elementary schools.

She retired from teaching in 1993 and she and Don went on to enjoy retirement to the fullest, traveling extensively in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. They began spending winters in Mexico and eventually bought a condo so they could share their adventures with family and friends. Sally passed away at her home in Mexico — the place that made her the happiest in life.

Sally was an active member of Post Falls Community Presbyterian Church. She taught Sunday school, led Bible study and organized vacation Bible school. The Donneaud home was always open. Kids, grandkids and neighbors were welcome in the pool and on the volleyball court. For decades, the Donneaud home served as a safe and fun meeting place for many in the community. Sally was also an avid Curves member. She formed many lasting friendships there.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents, Majora and Hank Barkuloo; and her husband of 57 years, Don. She is survived by her three children, Daurice (Sheldon) Weir, Jeff (Lucila) Donneaud and Lisa (Pat) Fehling; seven grandchildren, Jeremy (Suzanne) Welch, Tyson (Jessica) Donneaud, Amy (Brad) Gray, Adam (Rachel) Fehling, Meagan (Jed) Fehling, Katie (Duke) Philpott and Taren Donneaud; and 15 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016, at the Post Falls Community Presbyterian Church, 417 N. William St. A luncheon will follow the service. Sally and Don are interred at the beautiful Forest Cemetery in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. “Wherever you go, whatever you do, may your guardian angel watch over you.”