Donna Marie (Rufino) Hardina passed away peacefully at home in Mesa, Arizona on December 27, 2018. She was born in San Francisco, California to Anthony L. Rufino and Margaret A. (O’Connor) Rufino on September 29, 1944.
The young family, which also included her older brother William “Bill”, later relocated to Sebastopol, California where they built a home on Gravenstein Highway North. Donna attended Analy High School, where as a sophomore, she met the love of her life, James “Jim” A. Hardina. Donna and Jim were married on May 4, 1963 and recently celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary.
Donna was most proud of the family that she and Jim created. She was welcoming and generous to all who were lucky enough to join her family. Donna is survived by her sons, Jim (Robin), Shawn (Wendy), and Tony (Kim); grandchildren Jennifer (Steven) Stamps, Jimmy (Jenna), Emma, Hope, Maggie, Joseph, Lucas, and Grant; and great-grandchild, Adelaide Stamps.
Donna was an accomplished administrative professional, working at Cardinal Newman High School for 20 years. After retiring in 2001, Donna and Jim relocated to Mesa, Arizona. They enjoyed traveling all over the world including Hawaii, Alaska, the Mediterranean, and most recently Scotland and Ireland.
During the hot Arizona summers, Donna and Jim enjoyed escaping the heat in Show Low, Arizona with their dog, Heidi. There, Donna became a prolific quilter and crafter. When not in Show Low, she enjoyed shopping, antiquing, movies, and spending time with family, friends, and neighbors.
In addition to her husband and children, Donna is survived by her brother Bill (Jane) Rufino, nieces Susie (John) Chatel and Julie (Rueben) Telles, grandnieces and grandnephews Ryan, Emilie, and Erin Chatel, and Nico and Rhiannon Telles, brother-in-law Rick Hardina, numerous close cousins, and many dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hanna Boys Center 17000 Arnold Drive Sonoma, CA 95476 https://www.hannacenter.org/how-to-give/memorial-honor-gifts/
A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Sunland Springs Village, San Tan Center, 2820 S. Springwood Blvd., Mesa, AZ 85212.
2 Comments To "Donna Marie Hardina"
#1 Comment By Y Sims On January 7, 2019 @ 12:00 am
My sincere condolences to your family and may God give your family power beyond what is normal to help you through this difficult time. God never intended for humans to suffer the debilitating effects of aging. On the contrary, his purpose was and still is that men and women enjoy perfect health in Paradise. Only when paradise is restored, will we be able to enjoy peace, plenty of food and vibrant health along with everlasting life. Many of our loved ones will be resurrected when ‘the meek ones will possess the earth…’ Psalm 37:11.
#2 Comment By BERNADETTE VIRIPAEFF On January 24, 2019 @ 12:00 am
Donna was quite a lady. May she remain dear to your hearts forever. Cheers to a life well lived.