Edhat StaffDonna “Doni” Ueland, 61, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, and dear friend, died peacefully on February 26, 2018, at Serenity House in Santa Barbara. Doni was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early January and bravely battled this ravaging disease.
On December 10, 1956, in Milwaukee, WI, Donna Alicia Yamasaki was born to Shigeo and Donna Yamasaki. Doni is the second of eight children and she moved with her family to Goleta, CA, in 1973, graduating from Dos Pueblos High School in 1975. Doni went on to graduate from the Santa Barbara City College nursing program and worked as a Registered Nurse fulfilling her passion to help others.
Doni saw the beauty in life and in nature. She loved the mountains, camping, calligraphy, reading books, practicing Tai Chi, cheering for the Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers, and travelling to exotic places such as China, Hawaii, and Jamaica. Doni had an engaging personality with a beautiful smile and she was always interested in learning and understanding more about the world and those around her. She listened intently to others and made conversations a wonderful experience and often followed-up with a personal note or meaningful gift.
Doni is preceded in death by her father Shigeo Yamasaki. She is survived by her husband of 23 years, Randy Ueland; her mother Donna and John Giordano; her siblings: Monica Yamasaki and Tim Lewis; Kim and Chuck Hudson; Teri and Mike Gauthier; Tim and Laura Yamasaki; Mike and Kate Yamasaki; John and Tera Yamasaki; Karen and Keith Garl; numerous nieces and nephews; and her dog Willow and cat Ki-yay.
A memorial service will be held at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church on Friday, March 9th, at 9:30 a.m. followed by a celebration of life, at Stow Park Area 1, Hawaiian attire. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care at 509 E. Montecito Street, Suite 200, Santa Barbara, CA 93103 or by visiting their website at www.vnhcsb.org. We thank all the staff at Serenity House for their excellent support and care.
Although we are in great pain and miss you dearly Doni, we thank you for the garden of beautiful memories you have left behind to provide solace. “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” -Author Unknown.
We love you more Doni!
