Donna Joyce Hudson

Donna Joyce Hudson
(also known as: Donna J. Kinkel, Donna J. Gualtieri, and Donna J. Waterfield)

Donna J. Hudson was born Donna Joyce Kinkel on December 13, 1935 in Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada. She passed away on December 17, 2020, four days after her 85th birthday, in Hailey, Idaho. Her parents were American nationals but her birth in Canada was the result of her father’s occupation as a geologist working at the mining camps in that location. Not only was her father a geologist but her first husband, James Gualtieri, was also a geologist and that leads to a bit of an adventerous lifestyle which did not bother her a bit. Donna had three children and the locations of their births are testament to just a portion of her travels: Tripoli, Libya; Denver, Colorado; and Berea, Kentucky. She was dedicated to her children but also enjoyed a rich mixture of career and outside interests. As a young mother she volunteered at her children’s schools which led to her pursuing an education degree and then a long career in education. Known as Donna J Waterfield she taught in the following locations: Idaho Falls, ID, grade school teacher, 1973 – 1982; Edmonds, Washington, grade school teacher, 1985 – 1988; Kirkland, Washington, middle school teacher, 1988 – 2001. She found immense satisfaction through teaching children to read. In addition to teaching, she also served for a short time as the director of the Jackson Hole Senior Center (1983 – 1985) and, after retiring, she served as a Guardian Ad Litem advocating for youth involved in court system issues. Donna was an avid reader herself, a competitive recreational tennis player, and a bashful piano player. She enjoyed fly fishing on the Snake River and its tributaries, alpine skiing, and cross-country skiing. She was not a fan of heights or eggs.

In 2004 Donna met Charles (Chuck) Hudson while on a cruise ship in the Canadian Gulf islands. Chuck was an accomplished scientist. After a whirlwind courtship they were wed in 2005 and Donna moved to McMinnville, OR where her and Chuck maintained a residence at the Hillside Senior Community. Donna was very active in the community and she loved her many friends there.

Chuck passed in 2014. Donna is survived by her three children and their families: Daniel Gualtieri (son) and Paula Gualtieri and their daughter Brianna and son Thomas; Christina Bostock (daughter) and Mike Bostock and their daughter Jamie and son Tyler; and, Theresa Gualtieri (daughter). She is also survived By David Kinkel (brother) and his wife Mary Ellen Kinkel; and Jananne Kinkel (sister-in-law, wife of Robert Kinkel, deceased) and their sons Randall Kinkel and Douglas Kinkel.

Donna always had a thirst for a little adventure and enjoyed hiking and camping. Many times, on walks on unexplored trails we would come to a stopping point and she would urge us to perhaps go a little farther just to see what is around the next corner. Her life has been a glorious journey. Reluctantly, we will have to let her explore the path ahead without us… for a short time. We will miss you but will catch-up in the time that God allows.

Friends are invited to share a memory, condolence or photo at woodriverchapel.com.