Donna Jean Syron passed away on Monday March 7, 2022 in Spokane Washington at the age of 72. Donna was born in St. Paul, Minnesota on January 7, 1950 to Donald and Bernice Hedin, the oldest of six children.

Donna grew up on the east side of St. Paul and graduated from Harding Senior High School in 1968. During her high school years, she was active in many clubs and served on many committees - - honor society, student body council (president one year).

Her leadership and academic excellence earned Donna a full scholarship to the University of Minnesota where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social Welfare in June 1972. This degree clearly defined and directed her future contribution in life. Shortly after earning her degree, Donna applied for and was accepted in VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). She packed up her belongings and drove west to work with teens at the Central Idaho Health and Welfare Department. In 1974 Donna was hired by the state as the first social worker in Lewis County, Idaho.

It was during this time that Donna and her new landlord, Gladys, became very good friends. Gladys convinced Donna to meet her grandson, Robert. It did not take long for Donna and Robert to fall in love. It was a match made in heaven lasting 48 years. The two of them were inseparable. They enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, Virgin Islands, Alaska, Canada and many wonderful spots in the US.

Donna's work career was all about caring and helping others. She spent many years as a social worker helping children before transitioning to working with adults. She worked in Spokane area elementary schools and later in Spokane community colleges. Donna also worked with Highland School District when they moved to Redondo, Washington when Robert was reassigned. While dedicated to her profession, Donna's main focus was always maintaining close family relationships and instilling family values.

Donna enjoyed family (Donna and Robert had three children – Alison, Meghan, and Robert II), traveling, her retirement home (with the swimming pool), and she enjoyed time on her boat. She loved entertaining, visits from family and friends, feeding lots of people, and befriending new people where ever she lived. Donna was an active member of the Open Door Congregational Church in Deer Park, Washington. She served on several committees and enjoyed helping with events. Donna was on the Scholarship Committee that developed and implemented a scholarship fund for youth.

Donna's family would like to thank Dr Brett Gourley and all the wonderful caring nurses and staff at Rockwood Cancer and Blood Specialty Center, Deaconess Hospital, and Deaconess Health and Education Center. All were very special to Donna.

Donna is survived by her husband Robert and three children Alison (daughter Iyla), Meghan, and Robert II (Amanda), along with siblings, Bette Lind (Jim), Don Hedin II (Michelle), Jon Hedin (Nancy), and Mary Hinich (Jim). Special nieces and nephews include Julie (husband Jeff, Joe, and Tim), Melanie (husband Doug, Lydia, and Isaac), Don III and Tom, Nick and Dana, Liz (Ben) and Greg, Alex (Joe) and Colton, and many cousins. Donna was preceded in death by her parents Don and Bernice Hedin, and her sister Carol.

Memorial Services will be held April 30, 2022 at 11:00AM at the family home at 4737 Price Road, Clayton WA 99110. Lunch will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Donna Syron Memorial Scholarship Fund in care of Open Door Church PO Box 1509, Deer Park WA 99006.