Donna Frances Perard, age 93, entered into a peaceful rest at her home with her loving daughter Donnetta, son Otis and granddaughter Rebecca by her side.  Donna was born in Gas, Kansas in 1917 and lived on the family farm with her parents Katherine and Dwight Isabell and three brothers Jack, Ralph and Ward.

Donna married and traveled with her husband and their three children from Kansas through the Northwestern states to Washington as he put up power lines for Peter Kiewit and Sons Company.  Donna and her children ended up in Camas, Washington.  She worked for the paper mill and modeled part-time to support herself and children.  During WWII, she became a “Rosie the Riveter”.  As a welder, she helped build the US Navy Liberty ships.

After the war, she married Otis Perard who just came home from the war.  They were blessed with three children together.  Donna and Otis moved their combined family to Manteca, California in 1955.

Donna was primarily a homemaker to her family, but at times worked for Paul’s Produce, Ace Tomato, Eckert Cannery and Lincoln Elementary School as a baker.  She was known for her bread rolls – the best in the school district.  She also worked for Sharpe Army Depot during the Vietnam War and re-tired after 20 years service.

Donna had many interests that kept her busy.  She would go camping or fishing with her family and friends.  Donna traveled around the world; she visited every state except Hawaii.  If she wasn’t busy in her garden or canning the fruits and vegetables in season, Donna volunteered.  She volunteered her time to such organizations as “Meals on Wheels” and “Manteca Senior Center”.  She gave food out for local charities and was a caregiver to the elderly in need.  Donna continued to volunteer up to the age of 90.  She received numerous awards for her volunteering from the Manteca Senior Center.

Donna is survived by her children and their spouses; Lady Donna Bell (Bill), Roxie Fraherty (Mike) and Jim Rose (Carol) all from Washington, Donnetta Perard Rodriguez (Frank) of Escalon and Otis Perard Jr. (Susan) of Marysville, California.  Donna has 17 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and 29 great-great-grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and her youngest son Donnie Perard.

The family is having a private burial service. Memorial contributions can be made in her memory to any local hospice charity.

Grams, you will forever have a special place in my heart.  I miss you so much, but I know you have your angel wings…fly with the red birds.  Love,
Becky Lynn

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Thursday, June 30, 2011