DONATO, Susan

Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, AZ Thursday, October 27, 2011 Susan Weed Donato was born in Montgomery, Alabama on March 29, 1955, and died peacefully in Bellingham, Washington on October 10, 2011 with her family by her side. Susan lived in the Bellingham area for nearly four decades. She was a gifted dental assistant, compassionate animal control officer, and a tolerant juvenile justice court staff member. In April 2004 she suffered a severe illness resulting in devastating brain injury. In these past seven years she traveled a path very few could endure. The kindness and generosity of friends and family near and far contributed to her well-being, her strength and her peace of mind. In addition to deep appreciation of her Bellingham community, her family remains profoundly grateful to the employees of the Flagstaff Unified School District who so generously donated countless hours of sick leave to her sister Wendy so that her daughter could be cared for in their home. Susan was an avid bird-watcher, had a wry sense of humor, and loved rock and roll music. She was a dedicated and loving wife and mother who raised an amazing daughter while caring for a disabled husband. She lived in a wonderfully gifted and caring community whose compassion made her life far better than it might have otherwise been. Susan was preceded in death by her mother Katie Weed, her husband Tony Donato and their infant daughter Gina. She is survived by her most beloved daughter Natalie Christine Donato; her father Edward Weed; her brother David Weed; her sisters Becky, Lisa, Karen and Wendy Weed; and her nieces and nephews Terren and Audrey Davis; Ethan and Lily Ferris; and Jessie, Mat and Jennie Gershater. A memorial service will be held at the home of Christy Chisholm and Bob Tures, 3725 N. Grandview Drive, in Flagstaff on Sunday, October 30th at 3:00 pm. "...and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest." This obituary was prepared by the Advertising Department (928) 556-2279