Donna passed away peacefully at home on May 8th, 2025 following a 5-year battle with a rare form of cancer.
Donna was born on May 29th, 1949 in Anacortes WA to Robert and Julia Boyce of Friday Harbor. She was raised on San Juan Island and graduated from Friday Harbor High School in 1967.
Donna was very proud of her island heritage. She loved reminiscing about her family history and time living there. Her great, great grandfather Stephen Boyce was the first sheriff of San Juan County, and her great, great grandmother Lucinda Boyce was a beloved midwife, delivering hundreds of babies.
Contributing to her family legacy was important to Donna. She was proud to support and attend the Bobby Boyce Scholarship fundraiser each year which recognizes young athletes.
Upon graduation Donna moved to Mount Vernon to attend beauty school. It was then that she reconnected with a longtime family friend, Larry Burton, and they were married on March 2, 1968. They had two children together, Chad and Sheila.
Donna is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, Larry, son Chad (April) Burton, daughter Sheila (Matt) Carrigg, sister Diane (Ted) Buganski, brothers-in-law Jerry (Mary) Burton, Fred (Linda) Leise, sister-in-law Lois Simundson, and numerous other relatives.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Hospice of the Northwest and the nurses and doctors at the Skagit Cancer Care Center for your kindness and taking such good care of her.
A private family graveside service will be held followed by a celebration of life at 1:00 p.m. on May 30th, at the Sedro Woolley Community Center. Please join us in celebrating Donna and sharing stories and memories.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of the Northwest or the Skagit Valley Humane Society. Donna loved animals!