Donna Cherry O'Sullivan's Obituary
The angels welcomed Donna Marie Cherry O'Sullivan into Heaven on November 7, 2024. Donna passed away peacefully with her devoted husband and dedicated mother at her side following a lengthy battle with cancer. Donna was born on August 14, 1974, in Galveston, Texas to Charlotte Thenemann Cherry and Paul Owen Cherry. Donna graduated from Nederland High School in 1992 and was also honored with the title of “Miss Nederland High School” that same year. She furthered her education at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas where she obtained a B.S. degree in 1995 and an M.S. degree in 1997.
Donna worked for years as a Speech-Language Pathologist and served patients in various medical/educational settings, some of which included: ONR Rehabilitation, Easter Seals Society, Parkinson's Outreach Program, Jefferson Elementary School, Truman W. Smith Children's Care Center, and Highland Pines Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center. Donna was a tenderhearted soul who treated her patients with compassion and empathy.
She deeply valued her profession and held a very strong work ethic. Her integrity and commitment to helping others was truly remarkable. Donna was always willing to go above and beyond to help her patients in any way she could. Very much a people person, Donna was able to form bonds and establish special connections with each patient she treated.
Donna was a true beauty, both inside and out. She was clever, quick-witted, had a great sense of humor, and genuinely loved people. Speaking of people she loved, Donna adored her soulmate and husband, Timothy Gerard O'Sullivan of Stoke-on-Trent, England whom she married on the 4th of July 2008 in Kilgore, Texas. Together, Donna and Tim lived life to the fullest and made the absolute most of their 16 years of marriage.
Their union was one of love, devotion, teamwork and adventure. Donna loved to be on the go! Always up for a concert, she and Tim attended too many to count. Donna enjoyed traveling - especially abroad. She was thrilled to have visited England, Spain and Switzerland! Yet, some of Donna's best held memories, were of Great American road trips with her husband and best friend. The wide-open road and ability to make impromptu stops and visits across the lovely USA were such a blessing to them both.
Donna lived a life of profound gratitude, never missing an opportunity to express her thanks to anyone and everyone who had touched her life positively. This attitude of gratitude was deeply embedded within her Christian faith. She cherished her strong relationship with the Lord and depended on Him heavily throughout her 50 years on this Earth. Donna was wise beyond her years, always offered the best advice, and was a valued confidant to many. A long-time member of First Lutheran Church of Longview, Donna participated in the Lutheran World Relief Quilting group and at one time helped to manage the church’s prayer chain.
Donna followed the Christian example of her mother and was a responsible and conscientious woman with a huge heart who generously shared the gifts God gave her. A talented writer, Donna was known for her creative Christmas letters and beautiful Christmas poems which were sent out every year to those she loved.
Her handcrafted greeting cards were also very well-loved and received. Donna was respected and admired by many, and although she is no longer here on this Earth, she leaves behind a legacy of love and gratitude. Donna was a rare gem, a "one of a kind" human being who made the world a better place just by being in it. May her life... and death be an inspiration to all who crossed her path. Her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those whose lives she touched.
Donna is survived by her husband, Timothy O'Sullivan, her mother, Charlotte Cherry, her cousin, Brad Rogers (Shannon), her dear friend, Sister Maria Guadalupe, her “big sisters”, Rise Rash and Brenda Maxwell and her beloved dog, Betsy. She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Cecelia and Carl Thenemann, her aunt and uncle, Patricia and Johnnie Rogers, and her canine best friends: Lady, Dolly, Heidi, Duchess, and Abbey.
A special thanks goes to all the staff at HeartsWay Hospice for their exceptional care, and the kindness they showed to Donna. In particular, Josh Oden, Corrina Wright, Dr. Julia Archer & Dr. Stacy Holder.
A funeral service will be held at First Lutheran Church of Longview on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Visitation at the church will precede the service at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending memorials to First Lutheran Church of Longview, the Monastery of the Infant Jesus in Lufkin, Texas or HeartsWay Hospice.
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