Donna Eaton

MIDDLETON-On October 20, 2016 a human angel was united with her creators. Donna Eaton was born in Mauston, Wisc. on July 23, 1938, the daughter of Earl William Eaton and Alice Rudolph Eaton. The family lived in Madison for a few years but moved back to Mauston when she was eight years old. Donna's education included public school in Madison, three one room school houses, St. Patrick's Elementary School and Madonna High School, all the latter in Mauston. When she was a Junior the high school was rededicated and being beautiful and blessed with a strong faith, she was asked to symbolize "The Madonna". Draped in flowing blue gown with white mantle, she stood atop a throne and did indeed, look like the Madonna frequently seen in Catholic Churches.  Donna was a natural at organization. She worked for a variety of medical clinics, as office manager or managing insurance billing. The romances in her life were many, but she never married. She worked at Edgewood College as an evening receptionist and counselor for over 32 years, and was champion at volunteering her time working with and for many Christian organizations. She worked tirelessly for Blessed Sacrament Parish organizing, gathering food and volunteers and cooking for one of the homeless shelters the church sponsored. She was also a Director for Madison Ecumenical Counsel/ Church Women United for over 30 years. Despite health issues she always found a way to help others.  Her father passed when she was in her teens and the remaining family was very close. They frequently took short road trips which always seemed to be highlighted by an unplanned "Scenic turnout". She and her mother drove to Alaska in 1976 to deliver a new SUV to her sister – that trip was long and included some very unexpected adventures as well.  She enjoyed having small house parties and was known for a beautiful table, great food and especially her homemade New York style cheesecake. She enjoyed her home and would eventually have a Christmas tree year around that she decorated for every holiday and season – it was as beautiful as she was. She is survived by younger sister Cherie Imhoff and husband Jerry of Madison and nephew Jason Imhoff of Neenah and sister Bobbie Eaton-Lounsbury and husband George of Fairbanks, Alaska along with several cousins and untold numbers of friends and colleagues. Donna was preceded in death by her parents. She was loved by all who met her and her legacy will be the love she extended to everyone.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2121 Rowley Ave, Madison at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 24, 2016. Burial will be in Mauston City Cemetery, Mauston. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton from 2 PM until 5 PM on Sunday, October 23, 2016 and also on Monday from 10 AM until the time of the services at the church.  In lieu of flowers please make donations to Blessed Sacrament Parish or Grace Episcopal Shelter for the Homeless.  The family wants to extend special thanks to the amazing staff at Agrace Hospice for the incredible care and to all her friends, and colleagues for their kind words, their laughter and music. Her final journey was blessed with your presence. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.