Joan Donahue Hampton 'Joni'

VERONA-Joan Donahue Hampton passed away from cancer on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010, after 57 years of a wonderful life. Joni was born on Feb. 18, 1953, to Harold and Rosemary Finnane Donahue and resided in the Madison area all of her life. She went to Queen of Peace Elementary School and graduated in 1971, from Madison West High School, and received a dental assistant degree from Madison Area Technical College, which turned into a career she loved and was proud to do. She most recently worked for Dr. Doug Wilson at Madison Pediatric Dental where she loved her work with children and the great staff - " her teammates ". However, the most important and rewarding job of all was with her husband Steve raising their two terrific children; Randy and Sara. Being their mom was wonderful and she was VERY proud of the results of her and Steves hard work! While Joni loved being Mom to Randy and Sara, another source of joy came from being "Mema" to her beloved grandchildren. Joni found joy in many things, including (but not limited to): camping, traveling (especially to the ocean, mountains, Ireland, and Hawaii), attending Badger football, basketball and hockey games as Steves faithful sidekick, celebrating Thanksgiving (by bowling and serving the family meal to the Donahue clan) and Christmas Eve and Day traditions. She is survived by her husband of almost 36 years, Steve; children, Randall Patrick (Amy) of Verona and Sara Rose (Brandon McKittrick) of Omro; grandchildren, Jackson and Mya Hampton, who were a tremendous source of joy and laughter; five fantastic sisters, Anne (Mike) Rohr of Denver, Colo., Kit of Waukesha, Sue (Tom) Ripple of Madison, twin sister Janet (Rick) Gordon of Madison, and Mary Young of Madison; 13 fun loving and big hearted nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Dennis (Jennifer) Hampton of Warrenville, Ill.; sister-in-law, Alice Jean Hampton of Middleton; plus a host of other special relatives and friends. Welcoming Joni to heaven are her infant granddaughter, Eva; her parents; her parents-in-law, Lowell and Gladys (Alton) Hampton; nephew, Andy; and brother-in-law, Terry Hampton. Funeral services will be held at the GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010. Burial will be held at the Verona cemetery at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. Joni lived her life to the fullest and was very grateful for her countless blessings. Until she meets you again, her fondest wish to all would be, "Have happy and healthy days and God Bless America!!" Her motto- Do the best you can with a smile on your face as you deal with what life deals you!! Memorials may be made to the "Make-a-Wish" Foundation, which enables a childs wish to be granted and allows the family to create a lasting and loving memory. Cemetery: Burial will be held at the Verona cemetery at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010. Visitation: Visitation will be at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until the time of service on Tuesday. Joni lived her life to the fullest and was very grateful for her countless blessings. Service: Funeral services will be held at the GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010. Burial will be held at the Verona cemetery at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010.