Donna Beaudette

Donna Marie Beaudette (nee Weast, formerly Pavel), age 85, of Hudson, Wisconsin went home to the Lord on July 2, 2023. after a long struggle with dementia. Donna was born on March 21, 1938, to Harry and Pauline Weast in Peoria, Illinois. She was seven minutes younger than her twin brother Donald.

As a young child, Donna relocated with her family to the Mora, Minnesota area. She was a country girl, through and through, enjoying playing outside, caring for various animals, and swimming down at the river. Before her senior year of high school, Donna’s family moved to Arvin, California where she graduated from high school in 1956. She decided to stay in California working as a nanny while her family moved back to Minnesota.

Newly discharged from the Air Force, George Pavel, a Minnesota neighbor from her childhood, tracked her down in California and rekindled their relationship. They were united in marriage in January 1957 and settled in Bakersfield, California. Their marriage was blessed with three children: Kim, Jeff, and Sue. She loved her family dearly and supported them as a Sunday School teacher, Bluebird/Campfire Girl leader, Home Room Mom, and President of the Parent-Teacher Association. She took in ironing and was the visiting caretaker for the elderly in the neighborhood.

In 1971, Donna and her family moved to a farm in Elmwood, Wisconsin. Her love for animals showed with the nurturing care she gave to the family dog (Misty), multiple barn cats, and her horse (Kipper). She continued to support her family as a 4H leader, and cheerleader for whatever sports and activities her children were in. She was known for her large vegetable garden, canning, baking, knitting, and crocheting, and was an active member of the local Homemaker’s Association.

In 1978, Donna enrolled in college at Red Wing Technical College and completed her dream of becoming a nurse. She dedicated over twenty years to working as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Elmwood Nursing Home, River Falls Kinnic Nursing Home, and River Falls Area Hospital. Her compassion touched many lives during her nursing career, both in the patients she cared for and the people she worked with.

In 2002, she retired and moved to Outing, Minnesota where she married Gordon Beaudette. Adventures in northern Minnesota included boating, growing flowers, going to the casinos, dancing, singing karaoke, and enjoying Country Western music. With the passing of her husband, Gordy, and son, Jeff, Donna wintered in River Falls for a few years before relocating to River Falls permanently. Wherever she lived, she always had a rocking chair to relax in. She never lost her love for gardening, baking, and cooking. She was known for her dozens of varieties of Christmas cookies that she’d bake and share every year and for hosting Sunday dinners.

Donna will be dearly missed and remain in the hearts of her daughters Kim Pilarski of Hudson, WI, and Sue (Kevin) Swanson of River Falls, WI; grandchildren EJ (Liz) Pilarski, Matt Pilarski, Nick Pilarski; Chelsey (Mike Anderson) Koehler, and Treston (Claire) Koehler; Tim (Katie) Pavel and Sam Pavel; great-grandson Daxton Pilarski; and many nieces, nephews, a cousin, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon; her son, Jeff; her parents, Harry and Pauline; her twin brother, Donald; and her two sisters, Sharon and Diane.

A public celebration of life service will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, July 8th, at Mt. Zion Lutheran church at 505 13th St. S., Hudson, WI. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held at 3:00 PM at Greenwood Cemetery in River Falls, WI. Memorials and/or flowers may be sent to: O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th Street, Hudson, WI 54016