DONEN, Joan Alice

Published by Today's News Herald on Nov. 8, 2025 -
Lake Havasu city, Arizona -

Joan Alice Donen, 87, passed away peacefully with her daughter, Gail and 
son-in-law Roger Kulp in Lake Havasu City, Arizona with them by her side 
on October 27, 2025. She spent most of her life in Spokane, Washington 
before spending her last 3 years in Arizona.

Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 17 Joan she was truly a miracle of 
modern science living an adventurous life that defied all odds. She was 
an avid sailor, skier, and motorcyclist who skied across the globe, rode 
her motorcycle to Alaska, bungee-jumped at 65 and with her husband, 
Jerry, circumnavigated the world in their sailboat. Many would say Joan 
had nine lives, each one lived with courage, laughter, and a boundless 
zest for life that inspired everyone who knew her.

Married for 55 wonderful years to the love of her life Jerry Donen, 
together they built a life filled with love and adventure. She is 
survived by her daughter Gail Kulp of Lake Havasu City, Arizona son 
Steven Donen of Minneapolis, MN, two granddaughters and four great-
grandchildren.

Funeral services were held in Spokane, Washington on October 30, 2025. 
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Diabetes Association 
and Chabad of Havasu.

Posted by mhenderson on November 08, 2025

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