Donna Barnes Muldowney

1945-2012

Donna Barnes Muldowney, 67, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2012. Donna succumbed to ovarian cancer after a ten year battle. During her fight, she demonstrated the amazing ability to fiercely face challenges while pursuing a joyful life.

Donna was born in Panama City, Florida, but spent a large part of her life living in and visiting interesting places. Her adventurous spirit helped her to recognize and enjoy what each place had to offer. While living in the West, Donna enjoyed camping with her family and discovered a passion for rocks. She spent her life collecting precious stones from the earth. Her love for travel and rocks took her to so many amazing places, including the opal fields of South Australia. Donna made several trips to the U. K. when her daughter, Shelly, lived there and fell in love with English gardens, countryside, and historical settings.

Donna's work was as varied and interesting as her travels. She worked as a lapidary to combine her love for rocks with her creative streak. Donna had a passion for the medical field, which led her to volunteer at several military hospitals. She also worked for many years at White Wilson Medical Clinic in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Donna was a teacher as well, using her skills as a jeweler and stained glass artist to teach others so that they might enjoy being creative as much as she did. Her talent in art extended to oil painting and many other crafts as well. Donna was also an avid gardener, and her artistic touch was again displayed through the beauty of her gardens.

Donna loved her dogs with all her heart. Her beloved Springer Spaniel was the subject of conversation during most social occasions, and during Donna's final days in Hospice, Lucy was brought to her bedside for several visits.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Marion Barnes.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Jim Muldowney; her daughter Shelly Muldowney Rouse; her son Erik Muldowney and his wife Rachel Muldowney; her "adopted" son Kris Lagerloef; grandchildren, Brittany Rouse, Jake Rouse and his wife Jayme Wobser Rouse; her sister Denise Barnes Quintana and her husband Ed Quintana, her sister Suzanne Barnes; her brother Bill Barnes; Brother and Sister-in-laws, Jim and Kathy Vandervest and Tom and Dot Muldowney; nieces and nephews, Adam, Alex and Andrew Quintana, Mike and Karen Muldowney, Evan McClain, Maureen Dempsey and Tim McClain; great nieces and nephews, Ryan and Ashley Muldowney, Brenden Daughtery; cousin Irma Stentz and her husband Don Stentz, as well as a host of other loving relatives and friends.

The family will have a private cremation ceremony and wake to celebrate Donna's life. In lieu of flowers, suggested memorial contributions may be made to Defenders of Wildlife, Humane Society of Bay County, Covenant Hospice and the American Cancer Society.

Wilson Funeral Home