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Special Tribute
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3
WE REMEMBER DONNAfamily & friends pay tribute
to a special life
WE REMEMBER DONNAfamily & friends pay tribute
to a special life
To Cliff and Ruth Stock, for bringing Donna into this world
To The Schwabettes: Jena Leigh, Kira Layne, and Carissa Joy,
for reflecting the joy Donna found every day of her life,
for being Donna’s living legacies
To Donna’s family members and friends,
for touching Donna and being touched by her,
for blessing Donna with a lifetime of memories
packed into fifty-six short years
Editor: Judith Kolva, Ph. D.
Memoir Shoppe
www.memoirshoppe.com
Designer: cj Madigan
Shoebox Scanning & Design
www.shoeboxscanning.biz
Text copyright © 2008 Charles J. Schwabe
Photos courtesy of the Schwabe family
personal archives except where noted
Page design copyright © 2008 cj Madigan
Life PartnersChuck Schwabe . . . . . . . . . .8
A Cinnamon Sweet ToothJena Schwabe . . . . . . . . . .10
My Mom: A True Renaissance Woman
Kira Schwabe . . . . . . . . . .12Donna: The Meaning of “Mother”
Carissa Schwabe . . . . . . . .14Where, Oh Where, Did My Sweet Rye Go?
Nancy Mercure . . . . . . . . .16The Discovery of REAL Key Lime Pie
Jill Dunkin . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Richard the Kiddie-Hearted
Brenda Larrain . . . . . . . . .18Cream Cheese Anyone?
Anne Strange . . . . . . . . . .20The Sound of Kindness
Pam Jacoby Custer . . . . . .21A Back Seat for Hotdogs
Debbie Stainton . . . . . . . .22Why Not?
Myra Gresko . . . . . . . . . . .23
Babka Cake & the Busted Cookie Monster
Audrey Wallace . . . . . . . . .24Straight to the Heart
Connie Hohulin . . . . . . . .26Not Sweeter than She
Bill Sides . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27A Fish Story
Bonnie Striker . . . . . . . . . .28Breaking News
Marlene Josias . . . . . . . . . .30Jeanie’s Tribute
Jeanie McGuire . . . . . . . .31Schwabe Time
Chuck Schwabe . . . . . . . . .32Family Vacations . . . . . . . . . . . .33Mission Impossible
Chuck Schwabe . . . . . . . . .34Family Christmas: The Power of Tradition
Chuck Schwabe . . . . . . . . .36Donna & The Schwabettes . . . .38Pizza by Donna
Chuck Schwabe . . . . . . . . .39
A Life TogetherDonna & Chuck Schwabe .40
Shared Belly LaughsRuth Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
In Loving Memory . . . . . . . . . . .44Night of the Infamous Pink Towel
Steve Stock . . . . . . . . . . . .45Donna: Artist, Teacher, Mom, Friend
Steve Schwabe . . . . . . . . .46Muchas Gracias, Donna
Nancy Threan Loraine . . . .48You Be the Judge
Bill Sides . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50It’s in the Hole!
Pat Vorreiter . . . . . . . . . . . .52Way to Go Donna . . . . . . . . . .54Granola Memories
Jan Holden . . . . . . . . . . . .56Family Favorites . . . . . . . . . . . .58Friends & Family . . . . . . . . . . . .68Five Miracles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74Donna’s Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76About This Culinary Memoir . . .78We Will Survive . . . . . . . . . . . . .78
Contents
8
The seeds for We Remember Donna were planted many years ago . They were protected from the drenching rain, scorching sun, and freezing wind by nearly forty years of
a journey with my life partner, Donna Chaille Schwabe . These seeds are the stories that were nurtured by our family and friends during our amazing forty years together . Stories are created from both the big and little events that frame lives . Our stories are no different . Some are told again and again, each time family and friends get together . Some live only in heart memories . Others, regrettably, are forgotten .
These seeds—the stories you are about to read—sprouted on Friday night, May 12, 2006 . That night, Donna completed her journey on Earth and was taken by a brilliant full moon to begin her life with God in Heaven . I was blessed to share nearly forty years of my life with Donna . Through stories, favorite recipes, and pictures of family and friends, it is my honor to return a small portion of this blessing to you .
Some stories will make you laugh out loud . Others will light your face with a smile . A few will cause you to wipe tears from your eyes . And perhaps, the most important ones will give you reason to pause, to think, to reflect. Is there something you’ve left unsaid or undone? My hope is you will make a commitment to say a word, to take a step, to fill a gap that doesn’t need to exist.
Chu
ck S
chwab
e
8
Life Partners
9
It seems fitting to begin We Remember Donna with two stories. Let’s go back to the beginning. I first saw Donna when she was a lifeguard at the YMCA in Des Plaines, Illinois. I took a single look and just knew. But Donna wasn’t so sure. I asked her out, and she didn’t hesitate. There was nothing about her, “No!” I didn’t understand. Our forty year journey could have ended then and there, but thanks to strong-willed intervention by her girlfriends, she reconsidered . We spent a sun-drenched afternoon at Lake Michigan, and our life together began .
As you probably conjectured, there is a story behind the cover picture for We Remember Donna . Donna loved to garden and much of what she grew became ingredients in one or more of the recipes included in the following pages . We had a small but respectable garden at our home in Sunnyvale, California. It was the most prolific, ever. Donna attributed the size of the zucchinis, tomatoes, pumpkins, and onions to the concoctions she used to build up the soil and fertilize the plants . One brew called for equal parts of a wide variety of ingredients including, of all things, Scotch whiskey . Imagine my reaction when I came home from work one fine spring day to find the eighteen-year-old single malt Scotch nearly gone, and Donna singing gently in her garden as she delicately applied her mixture to each planting . I could only shake my head, hide the remaining good Scotch, and go to the liquor store to buy an undrinkable brand that Donna could use next time she wanted to give her plants an afternoon nip .
We Remember Donna ensures that Donna will live in our memories, forever . Now, enjoy the stories, savor the recipes, and treasure the pictures that capture the life and times of Donna Chaille Schwabe . We, her family and friends, are blessed to have shared her journey here on Earth . May we one day meet again in Heaven .
September 2007
9
10
First Backpack Ride, 1981
Coral Springs High School Graduation, 1999
Christening, 1981
10
A Cinnamon Sweet Tooth
Disneyland, 2002
Sun Goddesses, Jena and Mommy, 1981
Mother and Daughter, 1983
10
Jen
a Sch
wab
e
1111
I can’t quite remember the time I had my first yummy cinnamon snickerdoodle cookie . These wonderful treats go back as far as I can recall . When I was little, my mom would make cinnamon
toast for breakfast every day . As Kira, Carissa, and I grew older, the breakfast routine graduated to Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal . Every year around Christmastime, we took a day to bake Christmas cookies and deliver them to our friends and neighbors . We made sugar cookies, wedding cookies, and of course, snickerdoodles . The best part of this day was “taste testing” the cookies to insure they were “okay .” Inevitably, there was a batch that was thrown away because it was burned, but that was part of the fun and a running household joke—our house was active and there were always plenty of distractions .
My favorite memory is going to college as a freshman and having so many snickerdoodles that I was stocked for the entire year! Mom stayed up late one night baking a batch of cookies . She, then, mailed me a huge care package entirely of snickerdoodles . Every time I eat a snickerdoodle, I am left with a warm feeling and the love that Mom had for me to bake these wonderful treats . . . and that cinnamon sweet tooth has stuck with me to this day .
12
Kira
Sch
wab
e
12
Say Cheese, 1987
Quintessential Kira, 1996
A day at the spa, 2002
Prom Night, 1998
My Mom: A True Renaissance Woman
1313
Growing up, Christmas in my house was a magical and wonderful time . My mom, a true Renaissance woman, decorated our house with majestic beauty and southern charm intertwined into one . The end result was holly, Christmas
garland with twinkling lights, our old and tattered Merry Christmas Y’all sign, and cinnamon and nutmeg in the air . The spices were always smelled in our house at that time of year because Christmas, for us, was a time of family, celebrating, and baking!
Each year, Mom made her famous Christmas cookies—a recipe that required two days and was always requested when we shared our cookies with friends . Mom making cookies was exciting because we were always allowed to help! My two sisters and I gathered around the mixer in the kitchen and took turns asking, “Mom, can I put in the flour?” Or “Can I add the sugar? Jena got to crack the eggs!” And so we’d spend time mixing, “test-tasting,” competing with our siblings for who got to add more ingredients, and laughing with Mom over the flour that seemed to always splatter when one of us turned the mixer on too high, before we had to let the cookie dough cool over night .
And if we enjoyed making the cookie dough, boy, did we love baking and, best of all, decorating those cookies . Like the house decorations, Mom made sure each cookie was immaculately decorated into trees, angels, bells, stars and even Dradels for our Jewish friends . As a kid, I always thought being able to decorate and eat the newly frosted cookies was the best part . As an “almost-adult” of twenty-three, I now see the best part was being with Mom—kidding, laughing, and lying around, completely content and full of her delicious cookies .
13
the flour?” Or “Can I add the sugar? Jena got to crack the eggs!” And so we’d spend time mixing, “test-tasting,” competing with our siblings for who got to add more ingredients, and laughing with Mom over the flour that seemed to always splatter when one of us turned the mixer on too high, before we
And if we enjoyed making the cookie dough, boy, did we love baking Like the house decorations,
Mom made sure each cookie was immaculately decorated into trees, As a kid,
14
Donna: The Meaning of “Mother”
14
Coral Springs Parade, 1991Bathing Beauties, 1987
Jack-o-lantern Carving, 2002Prom Night, 2004 Disneyland, 2002
Donna: The Meaning of “Mother”
Coral Springs Parade, 1991
The Monkey, 1992
Car
issa
Sch
wab
e
15
Donna was the meaning of “Mother .” She was always there for anything that was going on in the Schwabe life, even if it conflicted with what
she was doing that moment (a .k .a . possibly burning dinner) . One memory that I will always keep with me is when I came home crying about something or other, and I went straight into my room . Usually, when I did that, I would stay there, and no one would come and bother me. But I’m guessing by the way I stomped up the stairs and slammed my door shut, she knew I was obviously upset . I was upset because I was not happy with the school I was attending and didn’t know what I wanted to do . Mom stayed up ‘til two or three in the morning while I cried in her arms . I never felt more safe and secure . She told me that it was okay—that she was there and always would be . She waited until I fell asleep to leave, so she knew I was at least sleeping. The next morning when I woke up to go to school, she had coffee and a big hug waiting for me . And every day until my parents moved to Florida, we always had a long hug, and I knew that whatever was going on in my life, it was going to be okay because I had Mom to support me with everything .
We talked about what I was interested in, and she started to tell me about a massage she received in Napa Valley . She told me how much it helped her and made
her feel great. That’s when I knew I wanted to make other people feel the same way she did . My mom is the one who told me about massage school and supported my decision to stop going the West Valley College and start at the National Holistic Institute . I was in the middle of my second half of school and only had three months before graduation when I got the news about my mom’s status. I flew back to Florida and took time off, so I could spend my mom’s last days with her.
When it was time for me to go back to school, I didn’t want to return. Without my mom, I had no motivation and thought about not going back . Then, I remembered the day we decided I was going to go to massage school . Mom wrote me three quotes on a piece of paper and hung them on my wall . I thought I had lost the paper, but my sister, Jena, found it in my apartment in California and sent the quotes over to me . I knew I had to finish for my mom and for myself. She was
so proud that I was going to school for massage, and I wanted to make her proud by finishing. I knew she was there on graduation day with my family and friends in all of our hearts . I wanted to write down the quotes for you, but unfortunately, with all the moves I’ve had in the past year, the paper was lost . But unlike that piece of paper, my memories and love for my mother will never be lost . I love you, Mom, and miss you every day .
My favorite recipes:pickles!!!
chiliMexican Lasagnacucumber salad
pasta saladfudge
chocolate chip cookies
1515
16
Nan
cy M
ercu
re
16
Donna knew I was a serious bread lover, and her homemade sweet rye bread was my very favorite . Because we lived in different parts of the country, it
wasn’t often that I had the opportunity to enjoy this wonderful treat . A few years ago, I was visiting Donna on a quick break from a very busy year . As a surprise, she made a fresh loaf of her wonderful sweet rye. On our first morning together we sat down for breakfast, and she brought out the loaf . It was warm and fragrant from the oven . I was thrilled! We each had a big slice with our morning tea and started catching up on a year’s worth of visiting .
The bread was every bit as good as I remembered . I was looking forward to spending an entire week relaxing with Donna and eating sweet rye bread every morning . We got talking about what she and Chuck had done to their backyard, so we stepped out of the kitchen to the patio to take a quick look . We stayed just long enough to get hungry for another piece of sweet rye . We walked back into the kitchen just in time to see Brandy, their crazy Dalmatian, finishing off the last crumbs of the entire loaf . Donna just laughed . It certainly didn’t spoil the trip, but I sure miss Donna and her wonderful sweet rye bread .
We got talking about what
stepped out of the kitchen to the patio
Where, Oh Where, Did my Sweet Rye Go?
17
Jill Dunkin
17
One of the joys of gathering with Chuck and Donna was enjoying Donna’s homemade desserts. Donna knew Tim and I were “dessert people,” so any dessert was okay by us—especially if
it included chocolate . ‘Course when she brought her now famous REAL key lime pie to our house one night, we were tentative about the new dessert . Donna had just returned from Florida, carrying fresh key limes in anticipation of making the pie . Even though she knew we were declared chocoholics, she was excited to share her discovery with us.
Tim and I asked for small helpings, and in hopes of not hurting Donna’s feelings, gently confessed we didn’t really care for key lime pie. She smiled and gave us each a small slice . Hooray for her that she encouraged the taste. I recall blurting out (unexpectedly), “Is this what key lime pie is supposed to taste like???? This is amazing!” Donna just laughed and served us two bigger slices. She knew the first helpings were waaaayyyyy too small .
We miss Donna’s smiles and laughter. Yet, her REAL key lime pie is a close second .
17
the taste. I recall blurting out (unexpectedly), “Is this what key lime pie is supposed to taste like???? This is amazing!” Donna just laughed and served us two bigger slices. She knew the first helpings were
We miss Donna’s smiles and laughter. Yet, her REAL key lime pie is
reaL Key LiMe pie
1/2 cup key lime juice1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 8-inch graham cracker pie shellMix the lime juice and condensed
milk until smooth and blended .
Whip cream and fold into key lime
mixture. Spoon mixture into pie
shell and chill overnight . To serve,
garnish with key lime slices and
dollops of whipped cream .
Serves 6
We miss Donna’s smiles and laughter. Yet, her REAL key lime pie is a close second .
The Discovery of REAL Key Lime Pie
1818
Bre
nda
Larr
ain
19
I feel fortunate to have met Donna and Chuck at such an early age . We were part of a group of close friends who created many moments that, for decades, will generate smiles . We often had dinner parties and enjoyed playing racquetball—
yes, we were once physically able to do such things .
My husband, Richard—also known as “Dick”—and I bought a new home . It was a very cool town home in the middle of the woods just north of Ann Arbor, Michigan . By then, our friends were starting to scatter across the country and start new chapters in their lives. Dick and I often reflected on the fun we’d had back in Chicago.
We decided to give a housewarming party . Just for giggles, we invited Donna and Chuck, Donna’s brother, Steve, and Myra and her husband, never dreaming they’d come. A couple of weeks before the party, an envelope addressed in calligraphy was delivered to our home . The evidence stands posted on these pages . We assumed the envelope meant everyone was planning to attend . And they did . And we did all that is stated in the documents at hand . And it was a weekend with Donna and many live-in-your-heart-forever friends I shall always treasure .
Do note that there were a few hangovers the morning after the party, which, unfortunately, was the day everyone had to drive home. Everyone, that is, except Richard the Kiddie Hearted and me . Thank you for being in my life, Donna . It is all the richer for it .
19
Left to Right: Donna, Maggie Frogge, Chuck, Brenda Larrain, Myra Gresko Front: Lynn Schwabe, 1982
Richard the Kiddie-Hearted & Company
20
Anne
Str
ange
20
In 1977, Keith and I took our first trip to Great Britain. Donna agreed to keep our great big, one-year-old lab named “Katie” while we were gone . On the day before our trip, I met with Donna and explained the detailed list of things
she needed to do for Katie . In addition to feeding the dog and walking her four times a day, Donna had to give Katie a large heartworm pill. Now, Katie didn’t take to this pill and often spit it out. I showed Donna how to open Katie’s mouth, put the pill in the back of her throat, quickly close her mouth, and rub her throat so she’d swallow the pill. Donna said, “Not to worry. No problem. I’ll give Katie her pills .”
When we returned home from our two week vacation and went to get Katie, I asked Donna how she made out with the heartworm pills . Donna said, “Oh, it was easy to get her to take the pills .”
I was amazed, “Really?”
Donna replied, “Oh yes . I just put the pill inside a large piece of cream cheese, and Katie took it happily every day .”
From that point on, Katie’s heartworm medication was camouflaged in cream cheese. Whenever I see a carton of cream cheese, I think of Donna and Katie and those heartworm pills .
Anne
Str
ange
I was amazed, “Really?”
Donna replied, “Oh yesthe pill inside a large piece of cream cheese, and Katie took it happily every day
From that point on, Katie’s heartworm medication was camouflaged in cream cheese. Whenever I see a carton of cream cheese, I think of Donna and Katie and those heartworm pills
Race for the Cure Center: Donna and Anne, 2003
Cream Cheese Anyone?
21
Pam J
accoby Custer
21
Two of many adjectives I use to describe Donna are “creative” and “kind” . Some of the fondest, everlasting memories of
Donna I cherish are the beautiful Christmas decorations she created and shared with her friends . Each year, when I received our Christmas treasure, I wondered at her creativity. A quilted Santa, a green box covered in beautiful Christmas fabric, an angel door bell, and a stuffed cat that perches on the top of my china cabinet each year are among my favorites .
Donna was one of the kindest people, ever . If kindness has a sound, it was the sound of Donna’s voice. She was particularly wonderful with children and gave of herself to her three beautiful girls . Chuck, her daughters, her family, her friends, and even those she contacted for brief moments in time benefited from her generosity . Gentleness and kindness were her hallmark . Donna is remembered, always .
Left to Right: Pam Custer, Joellyn Kinzer, Nancy Mercure, Donna, Carol Giles, Linda Hannen, Anne Strange. Front: Lynn Schwabe, 2003
The Sound of Kindness
2222
Debb
ie S
tainto
n
The Stainton’s favorite recipe is Donna’s pickle relish . When Donna was crafting, she’d sometimes call on
Ron for a tool, a special piece of wood, or just an experienced hand to help her with a project. Ron couldn’t wait to get to her house because he knew there’d be a jar or two of pickle relish waiting to seal the bargain. He’d return home with his treasure, and he and Randy would cook up a storm . It didn’t matter what was on the menu. Everything was topped with Donna’s pickle relish . Clearly, pickle relish was no longer just for hotdogs . No doubt: We enjoyed every moment and every dish . Hotdogs took a back seat .Donna and Debbie, 1998
A Back Seat for Hotdogs
23
Myra G
resko
23
Donna and I cemented our lifelong friendship the first year we met . We were freshmen in college and out on our own for the first time. We were starting a new chapter in our
lives, no longer kids, but not quite adults . Donna and I met and became instant family . As with any great friendship, we shared the
bad times and the good times—nothing was off limits . There were truly so many good times when we just laughed at ourselves . That was part of our magic—we were always “those girls” when we were together or communicated .
One of my favorite memories is during our first year of college when Donna came down with mono . She got a bit of cabin fever while recovering, and we found mischief to be a great outlet . We
penned people in, moved people out, furnished elevators, and did whatever else we could think of . But what will always live with me, is the memory of us as we put dust mops on our feet, ran down the hall, and surfed right into her room to buff the floor, laughing hysterically, of course . Donna looked so much like a Girl Scout . BUT she had a bit of the Devil in her soul . It always made for a great time . We encouraged each
other with a “Why not?” attitude . This continued right through our last trip together to a spa in the California wine country when we piled into a hot air balloon at sunrise . Why not?
Myra and Donna, 2005
Myra G
resko
23
One of my favorite memories is during our first year of college when Donna came down with mono .She got a bit of cabin fever while recovering, and we found mischief to be a great outlet . We
penned people in, moved people out, furnished elevators, and did whatever else we could
But what will always live with me, is the memory of us as we put dust mops on our feet, ran down the hall, and surfed right into her room to buff the floor, laughing
Donna looked so BUT she had a bit
Donna’s speciaL Lotion
It was always such a treat to receive a
bottle of Donna’s Special Lotion.formula6 ounces peanut oil
2 ounces olive oil2 ounces water1 tablespoon lanolinToday, you can’t buy raw lanolin,
but you can use the salve that
nursing mothers rub on their
breasts . Liquefy the salve over low
heat. Then, mix in all the other
ingredients . Add the solution to
a favorite hand lotion. It’s very
greasy, but very good . It makes a
wonderful massage liquid .
Myra and Donna, 2005
Why Not?
242424
1 c . warm water2 pkg . yeast2 c . plus a pinch of sugar3 whole, large eggs, room temperature6 c. flour1 t . salt3 sticks (1 c .) unsalted butter, cut into 1” squares, room temp .1 # semisweet chocolate, finely chopped2 T . ground cinnamon1 T . heavy creamStreusel Topping
1 . Pour warm water into small bowl . Sprinkle yeast and pinch of sugar . Let stand 5 min .
2 . Whisk 1 c . sugar, 2 eggs, and egg yolks. Add to yeast mixture, whisk together .
3. In electric mixer, beat on low 30 seconds . Change to dough hook . Add two sticks butter and beat until completely incorporated—about 10 minutes. Add flour.
4. Turn dough out onto floured surface and knead until smooth . Butter large bowl . Place dough in bowl . Cover and let rise 1 hour .
5 . Place chocolate and remaining 1 c . sugar and cinnamon in large bowl . Stir . Using 2 knives, cut in remaining stick of butter . Set aside .
6 . Generously butter 3 loaf pans . Line with parchment, extending parchment over sides of loaf pans . Beat remaining egg with 1 T . cream . Set aside . Punch down . Let rest 5 minutes . Divide into 3 equal parts . Roll to 16” square and 1/8” thick .
7 . Brush edges with reserved egg wash. Crumble 1/3 chocolate mixture evenly over dough leaving 1” border . Roll tightly . Pinch ends . Twist 5-6 turns . Brush top with egg wash . Crumble 2 T. filling over left half of roll . Fold right half over left . Fold ends under and pinch to seal . Twist roll 2 turns and fit into prepared pan. Repeat with remaining 2 rolls .
8 . Heat oven to 350 degrees . Brush top of each loaf with egg wash . Crumble 1/3 cup streusel topping over each loaf . Cover with plastic wrap . Let stand 20-30 minutes .
9 . Bake, rotating halfway through—until golden—about 55 minutes . Lower temperature to 325 degrees . Bake until deep golden—15-20 minutes more . Remove . Cool . Can freeze up to 1 month .
streuseL topping
1 2/3 c . powder sugar
1 1/3 c. flour
12 T . butter, room temperature
BaBKa caKe
Babka Cake…Au
drey
Wallace
2525
Who knows how much time Donna spent making her chocolate Babka Cake . Chuck once told us it timed
out at five or more hours. Even for Donna, the recipe was complicated and tested her culinary skills . But for Donna, the end result was all that mattered . The cake was delicious .
One day, my husband confidently asked Donna for the recipe . Lee claimed he was going to make the cake. Well, it’s been about eight years, and no big surprise here . Although Donna was kind enough to send the recipe, Lee has never gotten around to making the Babka Cake . Actually, he has never gotten around to making any cake in his entire life .
Cakes aside, Lee claims his favorite Donna story is about cookies . Donna knew what a cookie monster Lee is, so we never got together at their house, our house, or any vacation place when Donna didn’t make cookies for Lee . He remembers one year, after we sent Chuck and Donna a large box filled with nothing but Q-tips—not packaged, but single entities—Donna reciprocated by sending Lee a box of broken cookies . How mean .
…and The Busted Cookie Monster
Chuck, Donna, Audrey and Lee Wallace, 2001
We Can See You! Left to right: Jena, Audrey, Chuck, Todd, Carissa, Lee, Kira, Donna, 1998
26
Connie
Hohu
lin
26
Connie on porch
My relationship with Donna was special. We weren’t neighbors or best friends, but we shared a bond that went straight to the heart . I met Donna though “the girls” and
came to know “the girls” through Donna . Jena was at Coral Springs High School, and being a great student, talks about colleges were normal for a guidance counselor. What wasn’t normal was me calling Donna for advice and support. That was God’s blessing in my life. She taught me to be aggressive in my health care . She demonstrated great faith, complete grace, wonderful humor, and a love of life that convinced me that I was just as lucky as she was—that I could do no less than enjoy every moment of my life . I was the counselor . Donna was the teacher .
When Donna and Chuck moved to California, we kept in touch through e-mail . When they returned to Florida, I knew she would bounce into my office, smiling, for a catch-up chat. Her golf stories made me laugh . Her love and concern for “the girls” gave us lots to talk about—especially Kira! How to get a California girl into UF—should I say a determined California girl—was the challenge. However, Kira, with her parents’ support, rose to the occasion and became a Gator .
Donna’s e-mails then turned to stories about Carissa and the pets. I’m not sure which stories I enjoyed most. Together, we learned, and we grew. We exchanged words of encouragement and prayers. I miss her bounce and her smile, but I’m still blessed with her presence . Connie and her daughter
Straight to the Heart
2727
Bill S
ides
Walking into Donna’s house was always a treat. At any given time, she would have five to ten homemaking projects in progress. You could
count on one being in the kitchen. Mixing bowls, utensils, and ingredients were spread about the countertops . The cat was nearby—usually perched on the tip-top of a kitchen cabinet . Her watchful eye, seemingly, was focused on giving approval of visitors and Donna’s cooking.
Entering Donna’s house brought back fond memories and wonderful smells of our grandmothers’ dinners and desserts. We’d say, “Donna’s kitchen smells just like Grandma’s kitchen.” Because I had the
sweet tooth in the bunch, I was always partial to Donna’s desserts. What a dessert chef she was . I can still smell and taste her cakes, pies, cookies, brownies, and fudge .
My favorite was Donna’s Fanny Mae Fudge. She knew how much I enjoyed the fudge, so occasionally, she would prepare a fudge survival kit for those times when a sweet tooth attack got the best of me, and I had to indulge. I knew better, but there’s no guilt or shame in being a Fanny Mae Fudge closet junkie .
Remember the saying “Everything tastes better when sitting on a RITZ”? Although I never tried it, I’d be willing to bet that Fanny Mae Fudge would be a huge hit as a party hors d’oeuvre sitting on a RITZ. Yes, it is that good!!!
How sweet her fudge, but not sweeter than she .
Bill and Gayle Sides, Carlsbad, California
Not Sweeter Than She
2828
Bonnie
Str
iker
Donna and I met at the Congregational Church in Boca Raton . I was the Christian Education Director. Donna was Volunteer Extraordinaire.
The denomination owned a quaint, old camp site in Avon Park—a small town nestled amidst the orange groves of Central Florida . An old log lodge sat on the shore of tiny Lake Byrd . Each year, our Christian Education Committee sponsored a family weekend retreat at Lake Byrd . Many of us thought Lake Byrd was the perfect getaway from the hectic South Florida lifestyle . Others thought the place was a dump . Donna and I loved the old lodge with its huge fireplace, uneven floors, and wonderful smells wafting from the kitchen .
Our annual weekends were a mix of planned group activities and plenty of free choice time . We selected a central theme and got creative with our thoughts . Donna always planned the craft activities for Saturday afternoon . One year, she planned much of the programming for our small-group time . As a part of the culmination of these groups, Donna strongly suggested painting fish. Yes. I mean real fish. We would eventually use them to make fish prints on large banners. Donna sewed the banners—easy for her . My job was to get the fish.
I stopped by the local Avon Park Winn-Dixie a few months before our weekend to ask the fish market manager if she would order five or six whole fish for our project. She
Bonnie and Donna, 2001
A Fish Story
2929
agreed . All set . Or so I thought . Arriving in town for our weekend, I stopped at Winn-Dixie to pick up our fish. The lady handed me a package all wrapped and ready for us . No charge! She had decided it was way too expensive to buy fish for an art project, so she sent her husband out fishing just for us. Fish in hand, we were ready .
Later that weekend, Donna had our church friends slapping Tempera paint on real, smelly fish. Their next task was to press the whole, now paint-drenched, fish onto a cloth to create lovely banners we hung to decorate the lodge . Now, there was some “religious” reason to do this fish project, but nobody can remember what it was . What we do remember is the process, the complaining, and the eventual laughter . All of us who went to Lake Byrd have stories to tell—many of which include memories of Donna and the Schwabe family . The lodge no longer stands, but the memories remain strong .
Lake Byrd Lodge
Lake Byrd
30
Mar
lene
Jos
ias
30
Breaking News: Recent Research Proves “Energy Drink” Effective for Medicinal Purposes
In April 1998, Chuck and Donna visited with us on board our boat, Warrior II, in the Bahamas . We had been living aboard and traveling around for almost a year . Chuck and Donna had shared many good times with us during the time Chuck and Steve worked together at Coral Springs . Unlike Chuck, Donna was not a proficient drinker . But while in Highborn Cay, Exuma, we plied Donna with enough rum to make her quite exuberant. From that time forward, our famous rum punch was renamed “Energy Drink” in Donna’s honor. After we moved ashore in 2002, Chuck and Donna visited .
We played a round of golf at our new home . The
afternoon was made much livelier when we convinced Donna that “Energy Drink” had been recently approved for medicinal purposes .
We played a round of golf at our new home
livelier when we convinced Donna that “Energy Drink” had been recently approved for medicinal purposes
energy DrinKs 1 gallon Dole Orange-Banana-Pineapple JuiceMeyers Dark RumBanana RumPineapple RumCoconut RumGrenadine Syrup
In a gallon container, mix all the
juice with 1 cup each of the 4 rums
and 1 cup of the grenadine syrup .
Pour over ice and enjoy .
Marlene Josias, Steve “Mr. Chang” Josias, Donna: Hair Pieces; 1999
Chuck, Donna, Steve and Marlene Josias: California Dreamin’, 2001
Breaking News Jeanie’s Tribute
31
Jeanie M
cGuire
31
Pho
tos
by
Jean
ie M
cGui
re
To Donna with love, joy, and smiles
I think of you, And I am filled with Joy
As memories of Times together
Bring a smile to my face .
Flying in a glider over Arizona I think of you as I am kept aloft by the magical lift of air currents . Sometimes climbing up and sometimes floating down; but never without the wind beneath the wings, like being in the palm of God’s hand .
I am grateful that God sent you as an Angel of Joy
in my life .
God’s majesty is awesome in every way. Yosemite is one of my favorite places . Even though I have looked at this valley many times I never cease to be in awe . The mountains are a sense of strength, the streams and waterfalls bring peace and the trees and grasses remind us of the wonder of renewing life .
Jeanie’s Tribute
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Chu
ck S
chwab
eDonna’s cookies were legendary. She baked
cookies for every season, and everyone who she so generously be-gifted with
these melt-in-your-mouth treats hoped for more . It was a well-known fact: When Donna’s cookies arrived, even the anomalies—the ones who insisted, “I don’t have a sweet tooth,”—became instant cookie connoisseurs .
What isn’t so well known is what transpired each time Donna baked cookies. Her DNA didn’t allow her to solely bake cookies . She never simply transferred cookie dough from bowl to baking sheets to oven . Donna was the queen of multitasking . The Schwabe household buzzed with two, three, or four projects she juggled simultaneously . For the record, let it be known, this, not Mr . Schwabe, was the precipitator of the widely acclaimed Schwabe Time .
But back to the cookies . It never failed . At least one batch of cookies remained in the oven a tad too long . Once Donna remembered she was baking, she’d drop her current task and bolt toward the kitchen . Her quest was to rescue the ill-fated batch of cookies before the smoke detector blared . Usually, it was too late . Home Depot stockholders appreciated the amount of Schwabe money spent on smoke detector batteries .
Sometimes the burned batch was beyond hope and got dumped, rather unceremoniously, into the garbage can . However, if the cookies weren’t quite hockey pucks, the dog enjoyed a treat, and the remainder was stored in the cookie jar. Come on. Confess. You know what I mean . These are the cookies that make their way to the bottom of the jar and become milk cookies—the ones that, when all the other cookies are gone, get dunked in a glass of cold milk before they’re scarfed down . . . secretly, at 3 AM .
Travelin’ on Schwabe Time, 1986
Yummy! Carissa, 1988
Multitasking, 1985
Schwabe Time
3333
Donna and Jena (second row from back), Busch Gardens, Tampa, Florida, 1994
Chuck, Donna, and The Schawbettes, White-water Rafting, Sacramento, California, 2003
Donna and Carissa, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida, 1997
Donna, Walt Disney World, Orlando, Florida, 1994
Chuck and Donna, Hawaii, 2004
Family Vacations
3434
Chu
ck S
chwab
eLet me set the scene . The year was 1987 . The setting was
Coral Springs, Florida . The characters were cast to include the typical All-American family: Dad, Mom, three lively
daughters, one rambunctious dog, and a princess cat . The stage directions required Dad—that would be me—to orchestrate the three daughters and a multi-tasking wife to the airport in time to catch a butt-crack of dawn flight from sunny Florida to chilly Denver, Colorado . Now, the twist: This long-anticipated family vacation was to occur during one of the busiest times of year—the Thanksgiving holiday. And finally, the hook: The entire production was peppered with a huge helping of the infamous Schwabe Time . And I thought the line from Mission Impossible was, “Mr . Phelps, if you accept this assignment . . . .”
Scene One . Action: Being a Schwabe savvy man, I decided early-on there was only one way for this comedy to have a happy ending . That would be for me to plan and carry out each and every detail . And so I did . Privately, I plotted, organized, and sweated: The dog and cat were farmed out . Dozens of Daddy, I must have stuffed animals were made travel-ready . A mountain of laundry was washed, dried, and folded . Enough luggage for a small army embarking on a mission to a dessert island was packed, re-packed, and forced shut. Over-taxed suspension system ignored, the beloved Chevy Astro Van was loaded. The alarm clock was set for 3:30 AM. Briefly, I slept.
Scene Two . Action: At the appointed hour, with plenty of time to make our 6 AM flight, three sleep-grumpy daughters and a still snoozing wife were poured into the van. Without incident, we arrived at the airport. Not bad. The next task was to maneuver the troops and strong arm the way-over-weight-limit luggage from the car to the terminal. No problems. Things were lookin’ good. The still-drowsy wife
Mission Impossible:
Donna and Carissa, Washington, D.C., 1987
3535
Mission Impossible:and three frowning Schawbettes reluctantly trudged behind me to face the crabby ticket agent. Ignoring the agent’s obvious reluctance to be the first shift priestess of exemplary customer service, I pulled the remembered (Yes, remembered) tickets from my pocket and handed them over. Okay. Relax. All that remained was to be directed to our gate .
Scene Three. Action: The agent’s fingers raced across the keyboard. Tap . Tap . Tap . She stared at her computer screen . She glanced at me . She returned to her computer . Tap . Tap . Tap . Her eyes locked with mine. In seconds, an eternity flashed by. Still confident, I declared innocently, “Ma’am, we’re an hour and a half early.
That’s exactly what your airline advises. There can’t be any problems here.” The agent eyeballed my less than happy entourage and smiled slightly . “Mr . Schwabe, you are, indeed, early—twenty-four hours early .” Icy stares from the All-American family left nothing to the imagination . Clearly, I was toast .
Scene Four. Action: The only possible explanation for what happened next was that the agent had been prompted to recognize Schwabe Time . Knowing there was no Earthly chance of once again accomplishing this miracle mission, she arranged for us to make two connecting flights 24 hours before our confirmed reservations. I settled the All-American family into our seats and smirked, deservedly . I was the star of the show . Guaranteed . Somewhere over Tennessee, I jerked out of my catnap to face an unrehearsed sequel: We were now 24 hours early for our hotel reservations. But that’s another story . . ..
Kira, Donna, Carissa, Long Beach, North Carolina, 2002
A Typical Family Vacation
3636
Chu
ck S
chwab
e
36
Christmas in the Schwabe household never varied . We had blue-blooded, revered traditions . After Christmas Eve church service, Donna and I wrapped presents well into the wee hours. Christmas Morning meant we were awakened to squeals of, “It’s time to
get up, Mommy and Daddy.” And Christmas Day, we anticipated eagerly Donna’s traditional Christmas dinner. All was well, until—until the year, in our infinite wisdom, Donna and I decided it was time to broaden the girls’ culinary experiences by introducing changes to the expected Christmas menu .
Enter the ill-fated Christmas adventure . The traditional oven-roasted turkey became a turkey roasted Cuban style. The tried-and-true bread stuffing was replaced with a Granny Smith apple, sun dried tomato, and smoked Italian sausage dressing . The normal smashed potatoes and gravy were transformed into creamy garlic and herb twice-baked potatoes . The much-loved green bean and French fried onion ring casserole was kicked up a notch and became a stir-fried autumn vegetable medley. And to make our final statement, there wasn’t a jellied cranberry log in sight.
We were pleased with our fare and announced excitedly, “Dinner is served.” The family gathered, held hands, and offered the traditional blessing. That’s when our bubble burst, and we discovered the power of tradition . The girls took one brief look at this Nuevo cuisine, glared, pushed their chairs away from the table, and marched in lock-step to their respective rooms. Yes. No question . They boycotted dinner . Our only salvation, and I use the term loosely, was we served our traditional desserts .
After cleaning up the kitchen, Donna and I just looked at each other, nodded in tandem, and pinky-swore that next year and every year thereafter, only traditional favorites would appear on the Schwabe Christmas dinner table .
Ana’s Cuban Style Roast Turkey
Family Christmas:
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Family Christmas:
Christmas Morning, 1992
Jena and Santa, 1983 Holiday photo, 1990
Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus, Schwabe Style, 1984
The Power of Tradition
38
Donna & the Schwabettes
38
Aren’t we cute? 1989Stayin’ cool 1987 Donna and the Schwabettes, 2005
Smile for the camera 1988 Easter morning1990Water babies 1995
3939
The TGIF celebration for the Schwabe family didn’t allow for wiggle room. Pizza was the featured menu item . Donna prepared the from-scratch crust, whipped up the sauce from the bounty of her herb-enhanced
canned tomatoes from the Schwabe garden, and loaded the final creation with our favorite toppings . Although we loved olives, we laughed and agreed: They made far better Schawbette finger decorations than sliced pizza toppings. All was well in the Schwabe kingdom .
Then, there was the Friday night indelibly recorded in Schwabe lore . On this fateful evening, the Schwabettes’ teamwork was outstanding. They took turns—Took turns? Was there a blue moon?—placing black olives on each others’ fingers.
When I returned from building a fire in the fireplace, my only thought was Donna must have provided an assist . There they stood: Jena, Kira, and Carissa, displaying proudly their, “Look, Dad, a fistful of olives!” fingers. I shook my head in amazement and cheered wildly as the race to determine which sister could eat her olives the fastest ensued .
Not wanting to halt the fun, Donna decided each girl was allowed to celebrate their olive feat by making an individual pizza. The first indication trouble was brewing came when we could no longer see each other . Pizza crusts became sister missiles, and flour dust filled the kitchen. Toppings intended for pizzas were consumed in a heartbeat . And who knows what happened to the grated cheese—probably a Brandy attack . Our only choice was to call Pizza Hut . But never again . We agreed unanimously: Pizza Hut was zero competition for Pizza by Donna .
39
displaying proudly their, “Look, Dad, a fistful of olives!” fingers. I displaying proudly their, “Look, Dad, a fistful of olives!” fingers. I shook my head in amazement and cheered wildly as the race to shook my head in amazement and cheered wildly as the race to
. .
pizza. The first indication trouble was brewing came when we pizza. The first indication trouble was brewing came when we
Chuck S
chwabe
Pizza by Donna
4040
Donn
a &
Chu
ck S
chwab
eA Life Together
Bradley University Spring Formal, 1968
Wedding Day, October 6, 1972 Renewing Our Wedding Vows, 30th Wedding Anniversary, 2002
414141
Proud Band Parents, 1996Coral Springs Holiday Party, 1990Outrageous Halloween Costumes, 1976
Golfing in San Jose, 2002 Exploring Mendicino, California, 2003 Last Golf Outing, 2005
4242
Ruth
Sto
ck
Many of my memories of Donna are times when we laughed hysterically at something that wouldn’t seem funny to
anyone reading about it . In fact, it would probably sound silly. But I don’t know many people with whom I can share a good belly laugh over practically nothing . It sure is fun when you can .
One time, when Donna was pregnant with Jena, we went shopping for a crib mattress . On the way, we saw an old baby mattress someone had thrown out to be collected by the garbage man . One of us made the remark that mattress was just what we needed . Well, one remark led to another until we had to pull over to the side of the road because we were laughing so hard .
One of the last times Cliff and I were in California, Donna and I were doing a crossword puzzle . One of the answers was “toget” . It was pronounced tog it . We puzzled over what “toget” could mean . Although anyone working crosswords knows that on occasion writers come up with words no one can find, “toget” wasn’t in the dictionary. Sometime along the way, one of us realized the word was “to get” . That started us off on one of our laughing jags . The girls, Cliff, and Chuck just shook their heads. They didn’t find it funny at all.
Grandma’s Visit to Coral Springs, December 1988
Shared Belly Laughs
4343
I remember when Donna and her then best friend, Jana, were about eight-years-old and decided to learn how to roller skate . The roads in our subdivision weren’t paved, so the girls decided to skate in our basement . I strung ropes between the support columns, and they hauled themselves along on the ropes, laughing hysterically . I had to laugh too, just watching and listening . In fact, I got the camera and took a few video shots .
One time, Donna and I took my seventy-five year old mother to an afternoon show . Most of the other people there were somewhat the same age as my mother . The movie was Thoroughly Modern Millie . In one scene, a young lady is kidnapped and taken to a bordello . The name of this place was in Chinese, but there was an English caption interpretation on the side . The name was The Cat House . Well, naturally, Donna and I had some loud and long guffaws about that in an almost totally silent movie house .
In addition to our shared laughter, Donna and I had such similar tastes that there were times when, though each was in different parts of the country, we picked out the same pattern and the same material . Family Photo Op: Ruth, Donna, Chuck, Cliff, Kira,
Jena, 1984
4444
CJ and Annie’s Wedding Day, Standing, left to right: Annie Stock, CJ Stock, Chuck Schwabe, Donna Schwabe; Sitting: Ruth Stock, Cliff Stock, 1975
Donna Stock Schwabe (1950-2006);
CJ Stock (1944-2006)
In Loving Memory
45
Steve S
tock
4545
One afternoon after work, I stopped by my parents’ home in Mt . Prospect and discovered Donna baking chocolate chip cookies . I went to the refrigerator,
poured a glass of milk, and started dipping the freshly baked cookies. Just as I was scarfing down the first delicious bite, Donna rather nonchalantly said, “Be careful . I broke a fingernail in the dough and can’t find it.” That stopped me in mid-chomp . Donna casually walked out of the kitchen—no doubt to have a silent belly laugh in the next room. I can only imagine the giggles she and Mom shared when Mom heard the story .
Then there was the night we all remember . . . Hearty German Soup was a recipe I found in a magazine and served on the Night of the Infamous Pink Towel . Donna, who was a participant, asked for the recipe. I’m sure she made it hundreds of times, but was it ever the same without a pink
towel? The evening started with soup, Black Forest Cake, numerous drinks . and the pink towel . Dinner was followed by a trip to Dirty Nellie’s. I can’t remember why, but the pink towel went with us . We went on to Butch McGuire’s for more libations. By this time, the pink towel was left in the car to fend for itself . We had enough trouble navigating ourselves into S .O .P . for dancing until 2AM . The obvious question is: How did we make it to work the next day? I don’t know. But we did.
towel? The evening started with soup, Black Forest Cake, numerous drinkstowelDirty Nellie’s. I can’t remember why, but the pink towel went with usto Butch McGuire’s for more libations. By this time, the pink towel was left in the car to fend for itselftrouble navigating ourselves into Sfor dancing until 2AMquestion is: How did we make it to work the next day? I don’t know. But we did.
Family Portrait, Standing Left to Right: Lynn Schwabe, Steve Stock, June Stock, Chuck Schwabe, Donna Schwabe, Sitting Left to Right: Cliff Stock, Ruth Stock, Powder
Night of the Infamous Pink Towel
4646
Ste
ve S
chwab
e
I met Donna when I was ten. The first few years, I
didn’t see her much. She was just Chuck’s girlfriend.
Then, during Chuck’s senior year in high school,
we moved to Ohio . Watching Chuck suffer from
great disappointment at the loss of not having Donna
around taught me what love is all about. He didn’t
mope around or sulk, but you could see the pain in
his eyes . Then, they got back together at the University
of Illinois . When they came home during break, their
energy was sparkling . We had fantastic Turkey Bowl
games in the backyard with all of Chuck and Donna’s
college friends . Donna was a good football player . She
could pass, run, defend, and catch with the best of
them. If you didn’t watch her closely, she would trick
you and score easily .
I got the best Christmas presents from Donna . They
were always homemade . She made the best clothes—
the coolest shirts, pants, or the most colorful underwear
you ever wanted to see . I never got a wrong size or
had any problems with fit. Donna taught me how to
make rings from wax. I must have broken 25-35 wax
bands . But Donna calmly told me what I did wrong and
showed me how to fix it. She taught me how to throw
pottery, and I still love to throw pottery. It’s so relaxing
Steve, Karen, and Michael Schwabe, 2007
Donna: Artist, Teacher, Mom, Friend
4747
and fun. I’ve made a few pieces in my time, but nothing
like the beautiful pieces Donna made . We all got a cup
made by Donna for being in their wedding party .
Donna and Chuck brought over their first-born, Jena,
when she was about two years old . They said, “Watch
Jena when we plan Neil Diamond’s America .” They
put on the song and Jena got up and started to dance .
Every time Neil Diamond sang America, Jena held both
arms over her head and sang along . Donna had such a
loving and wondrous smile on her face as she watched .
You could see she loved her kids with every ounce of
her soul .
As Donna began to get ill, you could see her rise to
fight back. You could see her put away her own fears
and pain to help someone else . In her weekly or
monthly newsletters, there was always more about how
life was good—about how the family was doing fine,
rather than the pain she must have been going through .
I learned a lot from Donna about the importance of
living each and every day to its fullest . Thank you,
Donna, and God bless .
This was written from the heart .
4848
Nan
cy T
hrea
n Lo
raine
Nancy and Donna, 1971, Indiana University in Bloomington Here we are anticipating the flavor of these Pepperidge Farm chocolate fudge cookies. This was a real extravagant purchase back in our student budgeting days of university life.
Cliff, Donna, and Ruth Stock, 1968 My visit to Donna’s family home
Muchas Gracias, Donna
4949
Donna and I met during our first week, perhaps even our first day, of moving into Stevenson North dorm at Northern Illinois University . We were both freshman . Donna was artistic . I was tomboyish .
Donna was from Mount Pleasant . I was from the Dominican Republic . I couldn’t go home on weekends, so early in our friendship, Donna invited me to her family home .
Right from the start, I was treated like family. For our first breakfast, Donna made waffles that were out of this world. Super light and airy, they had a hint of cinnamon flavouring and just melted in your mouth. Wow! I had never tasted a waffle like this before—not even at the World’s Fair Belgium waffle food pavilion. Even though in those days, my mom insisted I only knew how to make fudge and canned soup, I went back to Northern with Donna’s recipe for Lincoln Waffles. I didn’t own a waffle iron until after I was married, but I kept this special recipe in my diary for years .
Lincoln Waffles are a regular Sunday brunch item for our family. Our four kids grew up knowing only Lincoln Waffles, and now, our grandson loves these waffles as much as any of us. Thanks to Donna, I had a second “family” throughout my time in Illinois . Her love of cooking, unnoticed by me at the time, has also given our family and numerous guests over the years our most popular brunch menu item .
Muchas gracias, mi muy querida amiga, Donna .
49
was married, but I kept this special recipe in my diary for years
Lincoln Waffles are a regular Sunday brunch item for our family. Our four kids grew up knowing only Lincoln Waffles, and now, our grandson loves these waffles as much as any of us. Thanks
5050
Bill S
ides
The Exploding Golf Ball, Donna, 2005
You Be the Judge
5151
In August 2005, Gayle and I visited Donna, Chuck, and the girls for a couple days of relaxation in Sunnyvale, California . We spent a majority of the
time playing golf. It is always an experience when we step onto a golf course . The usual questions enter our subconscious minds: Who’s got game? Who’s got shame? Do we have enough balls? And the dreaded statement: Hope there isn’t a line waiting and people watching us drive off the first tee.
On this particular day, we arrived at the course just in time to pay, load our bags onto carts, and head to the tee box for our scheduled tee time. Good thing we weren’t early (fat chance on Schwabe time) for a warm-up on the driving range . Due to a classic car show between the 50 and 150 yards markers, the range was closed . Too bad, they looked like great targets .
Before we headed to the first tee, Chuck dashed back to the pro shop and returned with a brand new driver cover for Donna . It was a pink (and I mean pink) flamingo. This was perfect! Through the years of our friendship, pink flamingos showed up on front lawns, mysteriously, during the night—Virginia, Florida, California, the state was inconsequential—at birthday parties, and even as gag gifts . When Donna was going through chemo treatment in Florida, I sent her a pink flamingo hat that she wore around town. Of course, her daughters wouldn’t ride in the car with her as she proudly displayed this beautiful collector’s item.
Off to the course we went with Donna proudly displaying her pink flamingo treasure. It was an interesting round of golf, indeed . We demonstrated our talent throughout the next five hours or so with skillful drives traveling great distances only to be lost in the woods, water, or accompanying private property . It was
a warm day, and we repeatedly tested our rainmaking skills by hitting that little ball so high into the clouds that surely rain and lighting would commence at any moment . But the only thing that found its way to the earth was that damn white ball . Chipping onto the greens and putting into the hole, one-third the size of the Great White Ball, also had its moments of glory and agonies of defeat . Do we count the missed swings as a stroke? Can’t we play this game with modified horseshoe rules: Close is good enough? I’m claiming any ball within ten-feet of the hole as a give me!! Any questions?? Maybe we didn’t rock the club house with our scores, but we had a great time and a fun round of golf .
A special moment of the day came on the 17th hole of our second round . Donna was getting tired and having trouble driving the ball off the tee . Chuck, being the kind, gentle, passionate, loving husband that he is, patiently worked with Donna on her swing, stance, and placement of the ball on the tee . She regained her composure and confidence and addressed the ball. It was the perfect swing . She hit that ball smack in the middle of the driver’s sweet spot with such force that the ball literally exploded. Yes, it exploded into a white cloud of dust . As they say, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” You be the judge. After the initial shock of the explosion, Donna laughed so hard she had a difficult time making another shot for the rest of our round . Chuck and I waited the whole weekend for the right moment to switch her ball . Needless to say, our patience paid off .
Ah, to spend such a relaxing, enjoyable weekend out in the green pastures and shade trees with such wonderful friends can’t be beat. We will always treasure every moment we spent with Donna .
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Pat
Vorre
iter
The Golf Group, (left to right) Flo Stafford, Jane Shoemaker, Donna, Jena, Pat Virretier, August 2005
DonnaÕ s Hole in One
By Pat Vorreiter
Donna made a hole in one on the third hole of the Deep Cliff Golf Course in Cupertino
Calif. in Aug 2006 with Pat Vorreiter, Jane Shoemaker, and Flo Stafford as witnesses.
Jane, Flo and I play twice a week and always invited Donna. She was not always able to
join us due to either Dr. appointments or low energy due to the treatments but we always
held the fourth slot open for her just in case. On occasion, when one of the Ò regularsÓ was
not available we could coax Jenna to join us. Although we continually strived to improve
our golf game, the pleasure was most definitely in the pursuit and the bond we shared.
It was a special treat that she felt up to playing the 18 holes at Deep Cliff that day. It was
the third hole , a comparatively easy par 3 (although we often complicated the task by
finding the woods, the water or the ditch). DonnaÕ s drive appeared to be the best of our 4
drives. We thought it had landed on the green and then rolled shortly beyond. It wasnÕ t
until we approached the green and began searching for our respective errant drives that I
found DonnaÕ s ball in the hole. Ò ItÕ s in the holeÑ ItÕ s in the holeÓ I told her and the
collective shrieks of glee were heard from one end of the course to the other (we were
later told). Donna immediately called Chuck on her cell phone and we all confirmed the
feat in turn. Chuck and Jenna joined us for a celebratory drink at the end of our round.
Of course, as golfers we all yearn for a hole-in-one but I can honestly say we were
unanimously elated that it was Donna who actually made it happen that day. We will
cherish forever memories and friendship.
The Golf Group
Flo Stafford, Jane Shoemaker, Donna, Jenna, and Pat Vorreiter
It’s in the Hole!
5353
Donna made a hole-in-one on the third hole of the Deep Cliff Golf Course in Cupertino, California in August 2005 with Pat Vorreiter, Jane Shoemaker, and Flo Stafford as witnesses .
Jane, Flo, and I play golf twice a week and always invited Donna . Because of doctors’ appointments, low energy, or her treatments, she wasn’t always able to make it. But we held the fourth slot open for her, just in case. On occasion, when one of the regulars wasn’t available, we could coax Jena to join us. Although we continually strived to improve our golf game, the pleasure was most definitely in the pursuit of the bond we shared .
It was a special treat that Donna felt up to playing the 18 holes at Deep Cliff that day . We were on the third hole . Although we often complicated the task by finding the woods, the water, or the ditch, it was a comparatively easy par 3. Donna’s drive appeared to be the best of our four drives . We thought it had landed on the green and then rolled shortly beyond. It wasn’t until we approached the green and began searching for our respective errant drives that I found Donna’s ball in the hole .
“It’s in the hole! It’s in the hole!” The collective shouts of glee were heard from one end of the course to the other . Donna immediately called Chuck on her cell phone, and in turn, we all confirmed her feat . At the end of the round, Chuck and Jena joined us for the customary celebratory drink . Of course, as golfers, we all yearn for a hole-in-one . But I can honestly say we were unanimously elated that it was Donna who actually made it happen that day . We will cherish, forever, her memories and her friendship .
5454
“I can see you !” 1998
Cow-a-bunga, Baby! 2002
Surf’s up, Baby! 2002
54
Way to Go Donna!
55
Me and my cat, Sam 1978
55Brandy Kisses, 2003 “Where are those cookies?” My Donna, 1995
May I help you? 1998 Nearly Siesta Time, 2003
Way to Go Donna!
5656
Jan
Hold
en As I’ve reflected on my lifetime of Donna’s friendship, no one story emerged. Instead, I carry, rather like a sweet granola mixture, many precious mental images of moments in time . . .
Donna at the high school Saturday night card table, completing our circle of ❦friends—Kathy Audo and Andrea Ney
Donna, her mom, and I at her kitchen table in Mount Prospect, talking about ❦everything from Edgar Cayce to the importance of drinking lots of water for kidney health
Donna in her kitchen in Reston, keeping us in stitches with her story about ❦being a car passenger on a long trip during which the male friend driver would not stop to let her pee
Donna driving me home late at night, sitting in the car talking into the ❦wee hours about a topic in which she had endless interest and an endless perspective (if not advice): relationships with anyone and everyone
Donna in her usual interaction, loving Chuck, Jena, Kira, Carissa, and virtually ❦everyone with whom she came in contact
Donna at my kitchen table in Lewisville, Texas, amazingly as stunningly lovely ❦bald as she always was with a full head of hair
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Donna in her kitchen in California, introducing me to the breakfast dish ❦of vanilla yogurt and homemade granola, which is still one of my all time favorites
Donna in a fast foot restaurant, dutifully consuming a chocolate shake to put ❦on some weight
Donna’s name on my e-mail, bringing another of her informative, funny, ❦touching updates
Donna in bed that last evening only a few breaths away from God, looking ❦so vulnerable yet surrounded and supported so completely by an ocean of attention, care, and love
Donna in my vision the morning after her passing, appearing in ❦the prime of life, looking up at someone while authoritatively providing them with spiritual insight . As Chuck said after hearing this experience, “Yup. That’s Donna!”
My friendship with my dear friend, Donna, is among the half-dozen longest relationships of my life . I treasure my mélange of sweet memories . Now that her life on Earth has ended, I will, as many of her recipes ended, “store them in a closed container .” However, unlike the products of those recipes, these memories will keep indefinitely and be repeatedly consumable, nurturing my heart and soul again and again .
Donna in my vision the morning after her passing, appearing in
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stuffeD artichoKesCut off stem, top, and all points of leaves . Pound on table upside down to spread leaves open . Rinse . Drain .
Make paste using bread crumbs, chopped fresh parsley, garlic, salt & pepper, Romano grated cheese, 1 egg, and a little olive oil . Stuff into open leaves, sprinkle small amount of oil on top . Put in covered frying pan filled halfway with water. Bring to a boil, then slowly simmer until done (about 30 minutes) .
❦DiLL Dip
1 c . sour cream1 c. Hellman’s mayonaise1 t . chopped green onion1 t . parsley1 t . or more dill weed1 t. Lawrey’s seasoned saltdash of Accentsalt & pepper to taste
Refrigerate 3 to 4 hours .
DiLL picKLes1 qt . white vinegar3 qts . water1 c . saltcucumbersdill
Soak whole cucumbers overnight in brine (1 c. salt to 1 gallon water). Combine first three ingredients . Boil . Pack cucumbers in sterilized jar . Pour salt solution over to cover . Put lid on jar .
For sliced dills, cut cucumbers and soak in ice water for a few hours . Then same as above and seal jar .
❦Mayonnaise
Measure out 1 c . salad oil . In blender, put 1 egg, 1/2 t . dry mustard, 1/2 t . salt, 2 T vinegar, and 1/4 c . of the oil .
Use low speed of blender . Immediately uncover container and pour in remaining oil in a steady stream . Waiting no longer than 15 seconds total blending time from start, switch blender to high speed . Blend 3-5 minutes .
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yogurt1 c . dry milk1 can condensed milk1 container yogurt1 qt . (4 c .) water, lukewarm
Cook 6 hours . Can be frozen .
❦spinach & torteLLini soup
2 lbs . Italian sausage32-oz . chicken broth16-oz . whole tomatoes1 pkg . spinach8-oz . tortellini1/2 c . chopped celery2 c . water1/2 c . onion, choppedparmesan
Simmer celery, onion and sausage one hour in water . Add chicken broth, tomatoes and spinach and simmer another hour . Add tortellini and simmer another 1/2 hour .
Karen’s saLaD2 bags spinach1 bag iceberg lettuce1 c . cottage cheese1 lb . bacon3/4 c . Swiss cheese1 red onion3/4 lb . mushrooms1 1/2 T poppy seeds1 1/2 c . olive oil3/4 c . vinegar1 1/2 t . salt3/4 c . sugar3/4 t . dry mustard
Marinate last 8 ingredients overnight . Pour over first 5 ingredients just before serving. Crowd size .
❦cucuMBer saLaD
CucumbersChunked tomatoesSweet onion slices
Marinate overnight in Italian dressing .
Can sprinkle with fresh herbs from the garden .
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saLaD Dressing – founDation2/3 c . oil1/3 c . lemon juice3/4 t . salt1/4 t . pepper1/2 t . dry mustard3/8 t . dry powdered ginger1-2 large cloves garlic
❦herB Dressing
olive oilbasilmarjoram or thymered wine vinnegartarragonchopped parsley
❦cheese Dressing
oil & vinegar or foundation dressingAdd cream cheese and dill weed .Add blue cheese in small pieces .
potato sesaMe BreaD2 pkgs . yeast5 1/2 c. sifted flour2 T sugar2 t . salt1 1/3 c . milk1/2 c . butter 1 1/2 c . sieved hot cooked potatoes1 egg white, slightly beatenSesame seeds
In mixing bowl, thoroughly mix yeast, 2 c. flour, sugar & salt. Heat milk, butter & sieved potatoes over low heat until very warm (120-130 degrees) . Butter need not be completely melted . Add liquid to dry ingredients . Beat 2 minutes . Add remaining flour, kneading in by hand (10 minutes) or with dough hook . Place dough in buttered bowl turning to butter all sides . Cover . Let rise until double in bulk . Punch down, divide into 4 parts . Roll each between buttered palms to form a strand about 15 inches long . Spiral wrap 2 forms together to form twist loaf . Place in buttered loaf pan . Let rise . Brush tops with egg white and sprinkle with sesame seeds . Bake at 375 degrees for 40 minutes . Makes two loaves .
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BarBeque sauce for spareriBs1 stick butter1c . chopped onion3 garlic cloves, finely chopped1/2 c . catsup1/4 c . brown sugar1 t . salt1 1/2 t . freshly ground pepper1/4 t . Tabasco1 T lemon juice1 t . basil1 T chili powder
Sauté onions and garlic till tender . Add remaining ingredients, bring to boil, and simmer 5 minutes .
Salt & pepper ribs. Broil one side on grill; turn and brush finished side with sauce. Repeat .
sweet & sour sauce1/2 c . sugar1/3 c . ketchup1/3 c . cider vinegar1/2 t . garlic powder1 14-oz can pineapple chunks, drained2 T cornstarch with 1/3 c . cold water
Mix sugar, ketchup, pineapple juice, vinegar and garlic powder . Stir and bring to boil . Stir in cornstarch paste and stir until thickened . Add pineapple chunks just before serving .
❦hoLLanDaise sauce – BLenDer
4 egg yolks1/2 t . saltDash Tabasco1 T lemon juice1/4 lb . (1 stick) butter, melted
Combine egg yolks and seasonings in blender . Turn blender on and off . Melt butter until bubbling but has not yet turned color . Turn on blender, leaving inner part of top off, gradually pour a thin stream of butter into egg yolk mixture. It will thicken and turn golden . Keep over warm water until ready to serve . If this should curdle, pour 1T of boiling water into the sauce while the blender is on . Makes 1 cup .
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chicKen anD spinach3 lbs . cooked chicken2 pkgs . frozen spinach, cookedFor sauce, blend:1 can mushrooms1 1/2 cans cream chicken soup3/4 c . mayonnaise1/2 t . curry2 T lemon juice
Layer spinach, then 3/4 sauce, chicken on top . Top with remaining sauce . Sprinkle with parmesan cheese . Bake 350 degrees for 45 minutes . Can serve over rice .
❦MarinateD fLanK steaK
1/3 c . soy sauce2 T honey2 T vinegar2 cloves garlic2 T ginger1/2 c . corn oil1 1/2 lbs. flank steak
Press garlic or mash with fork . Put this and all other ingredients into a container, shake well, and pour over steak . Marinate 24-48 hours . Cook on grill .
Beef carBonaDe2 slices bacon1 1/2 lbs . boneless beef chuck1 T butter2 medium onions, sliced2 c . fresh mushrooms, sliced1 c . beer1/2 c . beef broth1 T red wine vinegar1 T snipped parsley1/2 t . brown sugar1/4 t . dried thyme1/4 t . saltfreshly ground black pepper1 bay leaf2 T flourhot cooked noodles
In skillet, cook bacon until crisp; save drippings in pan . Crumble bacon and set aside .
Add beef to drippings; cook till lightly browned . Remove and set aside .
Add butter to skillet, stir in onions and cook until tender . Add mushrooms and cook 2-3 minutes . Stir in beer, 1/4 c . of beef broth, vinegar, parsley, brown sugar, thyme, salt, pepper and bay leaf .
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coLoMBian chicKenCut up 2-3 chickens in pot, cover with water . Add salt, freshly ground pepper, finely chopped medium onion, finely chopped bunch of celery . Cover, boil, then simmer 45 minutes .
Remove skin and bones, continue cooking broth . Cut chicken into small pieces . Add:2 small cans button mushrooms2 small jars diced pimiento1 large green pepper, diced1 package slivered almonds and/or water chestnuts
Mix all and reserve.
Add 2 T chicken boullion, 1 T Gravy Master, and cornstarch and water mixture to broth to thicken slightly .
Add reserved ingredients and cook until green peppers are tender but still green . Serve over rice .
To freeze, let broth cool, then add reserved ingredients and freeze .
Combine with beef in 1 1/2 qt . casserole . Cover and bake in 325 degree oven for 1 hr 15 min .
Stir in flour and 1/4 c. beef broth. Bake 15 minutes more . Arrange noodles on serving dish . Top with beef . Sprinkle with bacon and parsley . 4-6 servings .
❦chicKen crepes
1/2 lb . fresh mushrooms, chopped1 T grated onion1/3 c . butter3 T cornstarch1 t . salt1/4 t . white pepper1/2 c . half & half1 c . whipping cream2 T each brandy and dry sherry2 c . cooked, diced chicken1 1/2 c . seedless grapes8 warm crepes
Sauté mushrooms in butter and onion . Blend in cornstarch, salt & pepper . Add half & half, whipping cream, brandy, and sherry . Cook, stirring until thickened . Add chicken and heat to oiling . Stir in grapes . Remove from heat . Fill and roll crepes .
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chiLi3 T olive oil1 1/2 c . chopped onion8 large garlic cloves, chopped2 lbs . ground chuck1 envelope (1/4 c .) taco seasoning1 t . dried basil1/2 t . dried oregano1/2 t . dried thyme1 15-oz can tomato sauce3 c . chicken broth or vegetable broth1 6-oz can tomato paste2 16-oz . cans of kidney beans, drained
Heat oil in heavy saucepan over medium high heat . Add onions and garlic . Saute about 8 minutes or until onions are translucent . Add chuck and cook until brown, breaking up meat with a spatula as it cooks . Add taco seasoning, basil, oregano, and thyme. Stir 2 minutes. Mix in tomato sauce, chicken broth and tomato paste . Simmer until thickened to desired consistency, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, about 1 1/2 hours. Mix in beans. Simmer for 5 minutes . Season to taste with salt and pepper . Refrigerate until cold then reheat over low when ready to serve .
Mexican Lasagna1 lb . lean ground beef1/2 cup chopped onion1/2 cup chopped green pepper2 1/2 cups salsa1 11 oz can whole kernel corn, drained1 t . chili powder1 t . ground cumin12 corn tortillas, divided1 16-oz container cottage cheese1 c . shredded sharp cheddar cheese1 small can sliced pitted ripe olives, drained
Preheat oven to 375 degrees . Brown meat in large skillet on medium heat; drain . Return to skillet . Add onions and peppers; cook until crisp-tender, stirring occasionally. Add corn and seasonings; mix well .
Layer one-third of the meat mixture and one-half each of the tortillas and cottage cheese in 13x9-inch baking dish. Repeat layers; cover with remaining meat sauce. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and olives .
Bake 30 minutes or until heated through .
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caraMeL pecan roLLs1 c . milk1/2 c . sugar1 t . salt1/2 c . margarine or butter1/4 c . warm water 102o-112 o
1 pkg . dry yeast1 egg4 – 4 1/4 c. flour
Scald milk, stir in sugar, salt and margarine . Cool to lukewarm. Add one half of the flour and mix till smooth. Dissolve yeast in 1/4 c. warm water and add to flour mixture. Lightly beat egg and stir in and then beat in the remaining flour until smooth. Cover, refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight . Dough may be kept in refrigerator up to 3 days .This amount is for one 13x9x2 inch pan:1/2 c . melted margarine1 c . brown sugar1 1/2 T dark corn syrup1 c . pecans
Combine melted margarine, brown sugar, corn syrup and pecans . Pour into greased oblong pan .
To prepare dough for the pan, divide in half . Knead a few minutes, then roll out into a rectangle 15x9 inches. Spread with melted margarine . Sprinkle with sugar
and cinnamon . Roll tightly beginning with wide side . Cut in 15 1-inch slices and place cut side up in prepared pan 13x9x2-inches . Cover and let rise in warm place until double, about 1 1/2 hours . Bake 350 degrees 75 minutes for glass baking dish .
❦appLe crisp
6 tart apples1 c . sugar1/4 t . ground cloves1/2 t . cinnamon2 t . lemon juice3/4 c. flour1/8 t . salt6 T butter1/4 c . chopped nut meatsWhipped cream or ice cream
Preheat oven to 350 degrees . Peel, core, and slice apples into a bowl . Add 1/2 c . sugar, the spices, and lemon juice. Mix lightly and pour into 1 1/2 qt . casserole . Blend remaining sugar, flour, salt, and butter to crumbly consistency . Add nuts and sprinkle over the apple mixture. Bake 45 minutes or until apples are tender and crust is nicely browned . Serve with whipped cream or ice cream .
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crèMe De Menthe ice creaM pie3 qts . vanilla ice cream5 T crème de menthe2 c . Nabisco chocolate wafer crumbs1/3 c . butter, softenedFudge sauce
Crush Nabisco chocolate wafers . Combine with butter and press into pie plate . Refrigerate about 1 hour . Turn ice cream into large bowl to soften . Pour crème de menthe over it and swirl . Fill wafer shell with ice cream . When you serve the pie, drizzle hot fudge sauce over it .
❦Mint syrup
Boil then cool 2 c . sugar and 1 c . water .
Strip leaves from mint plant . Pack to make 1 cup . Bruise the leaves . Place in syrup and refrigerate for a few days . Strain .
wassaiL1 gallon apple cider4 c . orange juice2/3 c . lemon juice1/2 to 1 c . honey4 cinnamon sticks1/2 t . nutmeg
Blend . Heat . Enjoy
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creaM cheese Brownies8 oz . package cream cheese2 1/2 c . sugar, divided3 eggs1/2 c . butter3/4 c . water2/3 c . cocoa2 c. flour1 t . baking soda1/2 t . salt1 t . vanilla1/2 c . sour cream1 c . chocolate chips
Combine cheese, 1cup sugar and eggs . Set aside .
Mix butter, water and cocoa in saucepan until butter is melted .
Mix flour, remaining sugar, soda, salt, vanilla, 2 eggs and sour cream . Beat chocolate into flour mixture.
Spread in greased and floured 17 1/2 x 11-inch pan. Spoon cream cheese mixture over chocolate and marble with a knife . Sprinkle chips on top . Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes .
Makes 32 brownies .
LeMon Lush1st Layer:Blend with pastry blender1 1/2 c. flour and 1 1/2 sticks butter or margarine . Add 1/2 c . chopped walnuts . Pat into 13x9-inch pan. Bake 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes until lightly brown . Set aside to cool while working on 2nd layer .2nd Layer:8-oz . pkg cream cheese1 t . vanilla1 c . confectioners sugar1 c . Cool WhipBeat until smooth . Spread over 1st layer . Chill 1 hour .3rd Layer:2 small pkgs . instant lemon* pudding 3 c . cold milkBeat at low spead 1 minute . Spread over 2nd layer .4th Layer:Top with Cool Whip. Chill till firm. Cut into squares .
* Chocolate, butterscotch, or pistachio pudding may be substituted for lemon .
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Friends & Family
Pam and Ed CusterPam and Ed live in Stevensville, Maryland .
We met Pam through the Reston connection
and soon became fast friends . Pam introduced
us to the wonderful sights and sounds of
Baltimore, its inner harbor, and ethnic
neighborhoods . As Donna battled her disease,
Pam’s thoughts and prayers offered strength
to each of us. Pam’s telephone call to me on
a very dark night helped me realize that my
future would, indeed, be once again sunshine
bright. Look on page 21 for Pam’s memories of
Donna .
Tim and Jill DunkinTim and Jill Dunkin live in San Jose,
California. It was during the six tumultuous
years we lived in Sunnyvale, California
that they became our close friends . Tim
and Jill were right there, laughing with us
through the good times and supporting
us through the difficult days, weeks, and
months as we fought cancer . On our 30th
wedding anniversary, Donna and I renewed
our marriage vows. Tim officiated at the
ceremony, and both Dunkins joined the
hearty celebration afterwards . Their home
and hearts have always been unconditionally
open to the Schwabe family . When we
returned to Florida, Tim and Jill served
as West Coast parents for Jena, Kira, and
Carissa—each at a different and much needed
time in her life . This is a generosity for which
I will be forever grateful . Tim introduced us
to the joys of all things alcoholic, and Donna
reciprocated by introducing the Dunkins to
the wonders of REAL Key Lime Pie . Look for
the recipe on page 17 .
Myra and Rob GreskoMyra and Rob live in Sleepy Hollow (Yes.
That’s the real name.), Illinois. For almost
40 years, Donna and Myra created warm
memories . The miles that separated them
were inconsequential . Through to the very
last, Donna treasured each experience she
With heartfelt thanks to family and friends who lovingly took We Remember Donna from vision to reality.
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and Myra shared . After cancer spread to her
liver, Myra and Maggie Frogge (another friend)
invited Donna to a long weekend in Napa
Valley, California. They sampled fine wine,
took a hot air balloon ride, and pampered
Donna at one of the area’s finest spas. The
friends agreed: No matter how expensive the
spa, Donna’s massage lotion was the best. See
the recipe for Donna’s Special Lotion on page
23 . Donna returned home well rested, re-
energized, and ready for her next battle. Truly,
Myra was the wind beneath Donna’s wings.
Jan and Gary HoldenJan and Gary live in Texas. Donna and Jan
were forever friends . Together, they shared the
delights and difficulties encountered by young
girls transforming to mature women . Although
after graduating high school Donna and Jan
were separated by many miles, they stayed
close through thoughts, prayers, letters, e-
mails, and telephone calls . As Donna battled
her disease, Jan was exceptionally helpful
to both of us . When we traveled to Dallas
for specialized chemotherapy treatment, she
opened her home . We were family . During
the last days of Donna’s life, Jan took time
from a work schedule that was beyond busy to
offer her presence, comfort, and prayers. Jan’s
description of her final visit with Donna gave
me the courage to move forward with my life .
Thank you, Jan, for everything. Look for Jan’s
Granola Memories on page 56 .
Connie HoulinConnie lives in Georgia. We first met Connie
through her passion: Guiding students at Coral
Springs High School . Admittedly, Donna and
I were befuddled by the complexities of the
University of Florida’s admission process.
Quickly and competently, Connie stepped up
to the plate and became our “go-to-gal” as
first Jena and then Kira became official Gators.
We came to realize that in the whole scheme
of life, UF paperwork was but a minor blip
on the radar screen of challenges . Together,
Donna and Connie fought personal battles
with breast cancer . The love and support they
were able to provide for each other was one
of God’s most generous blessings. Look for
Connie’s special memories on page 26.
Steve and Marlene JosiasMarlene and Steve live in Odessa, Florida .
We met when Steve and I were employed
by the City of Coral Springs . I was the
Senior Assistant City Manager . Steve was the
Supreme Commander . I mean, of course, the
City Attorney. Marlene had the most difficult
job of all—trying to keep Steve in line . It was,
and still is, a 24/7 responsibility . As the recipe
for Energy Drink found on page 30 illustrates,
Donna and Steve touched each other’s free
spirit . When Donna lost her hair following
chemotherapy, Steve delighted us with the
costume you see on page 30 . I suggest you
look closely . After Donna left me to live with
God, Steve and Marlene were my safety net
of strength and encouragement . During those
first dark weeks, we talked by phone every
day . Every month, I was a guest in their Stuart,
Florida home where we added to the folklore
of the golf course at their country club .
Special memories . Special friends . Both then
and now .
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Friends & FamilyBrenda LarrainBrenda lives in Sleepy Hollow, Illinois,
and you can look for her full story on
page 19 . Brenda came into our life after
Donna graduated from college and began
her teaching career in Medina, Illinois .
Donna, Brenda, Myra, and Maggie shared
experiences, laughs, and sometimes tears.
There they were: four single, attractive, career-
oriented young women in the Chicago area .
Mind you, this was just a couple of years
before Sex and the City. You finish the story….
Nancy and Hugh LoraineNancy and Hugh live in Sunderland, Ontario,
Canada . Nancy was raised in the Dominican
Republic and met Donna when they were
freshman at Northern Illinois University in
DeKalb, Illinois . Donna and Nancy were
two seeds in the same pod—each living a
faith-based life and finding laughter and joy
in every day. Donna and I attended Nancy’s
wedding in the Dominican Republic, where
she introduced us to Hugh, the Caribbean
lifestyle, and the scariest sand crab “spiders”
ever . Although Donna and Nancy lived in two
different countries, they thought of each other
every day, and the connection remained true
and strong . Look for the recipe for Lincoln
Waffles—a three-generation Loraine family
favorite—on page 49 .
Jeanie McGuireGiven that Jeannie and her husband
travel continually, it’s impossible for me
to tell you where she lives. Officially, her
mail is delivered to Boca Raton, Florida .
Donna and I met Jeanie through the First
Congregational Church in Boca Raton, Florida
where Jeannie introduced us to the Stephen
Ministry Program. It was because of Jeannie’s
encouragement and support that Donna and
I became Stephen Ministers in the Los Altos
United Methodist Church . Thank you, Jeannie,
for providing yet another opportunity to create
a meaningful life experience with Donna. A
tribute to their admiration for each other is
found on page 31 .
Nancy and Jim MercureNancy and Jim live in Reston, Virginia and
were our golfing buddies. The four of us shared
laughs at golf courses on all four points of
the compass . Those stories would take up
another book, so we’ll save them for another
time . However, there is a favorite story about
the family that can’t be put off: Donna and
Nancy shared child rearing responsibilities for
both families . When Nancy worked in Reston,
Donna took care of Nancy’s son, Jeremy.
Donna loved to shop at a grocery store in
Vienna, Virginia, probably, in part, because she
could drive fast on the two-lane, hilly roads
that wound between Vienna and Reston . After
one particularly fast trip as Donna was un-
strapping Jeremy from the safety of his car seat,
he looked up, stretched out his still shaking
arms, and proclaimed, “Aunt Donna, you drive
like a pig!” Yes, only from the mouths of babes.
Look for Donna’s Sweet Rye Bread—a Mercure
family favorite—on page 16 .
Carissa Joy SchwabeIn summer 2007, Carissa returned to Florida
from California and now lives in Gainesville .
During Carissa’s early years, we lived in Coral
Springs . When Carissa was thirteen, the family
moved to Sunnyvale, California where she
completed middle school and high school .
Of my three daughters, Carissa is the most
allergic to mornings, so she wanted to find
a profession where she could be in control
of her work schedule, rather than the other
way around . Carissa completed a grueling,
nine month program and became a certified
massage therapist in California . Carissa is now
working toward becoming nationally certified
in her profession . I must tell you that Carissa is
a very suave businesswoman . She successfully
negotiated and received payment for Dear
Old Dad to receive a series of massages . Now,
about that first massage, Carissa. Thanks,
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Carissa, for defining the real meaning of Joy.
Your life will be full of joy, accomplishments,
laughter, and successes . Look on page 15 for
Carissa’s special story about her mom.
Jena Leigh SchwabeJena lives near Santa Cruz, California and is
the original University of Florida graduate .
Go Gators! During Jena’s freshman year in
Gainesville, we moved from Coral Springs,
Florida to Sunnyvale, California . I remember
vividly her stating for the entire world to hear
that she was first and last a Florida girl and
would never live in California . Well, that was
before she spent three years with Donna and
me—we called them “bonus years”—after her
2003 UF graduation . AND before we enjoyed
a family vacation (that’s another story!) in
Hawaii where Jena met Ryan Baker, who just
happens to live “over the hill” in Santa Cruz,
California . Jena and Ryan are engaged and in
the midst of planning their 2008 wedding . The
wedding will take place—you guessed it—in
California . Thanks, Jena Bean, for helping me
to learn how to be a dad . Look on page 11 for
Jena’s special story about her mom.
Kira Layne SchwabeKira lives in multi-locations: Jacksonville,
Florida, Gainesville, Florida, and Macon,
Georgia . If that sounds confusing, well, it is!
As the publication of We Remember Donna
approaches, Kira is finalizing the last minute
details of her November 11, 2007 wedding to
Alex Hettinger. One of these details is finding
a place to live with her husband and jobs
for both. This helps to explain her multi-state
shuttle . In 2007, Kira graduated with honors
from the University of Florida . She is the
middle daughter, affectionately dubbed by
herself and her two sisters as “the princess .”
Like her sisters, Jena and Carissa, Kira carries
Donna’s legacy to the next generation. Thank
you, Kira, and remember: Your future is bright.
It belongs to you. Look on page 13 for Kira’s
special story about her mom .
Steve and Karen SchwabeSteve and Karen live in Hickrey, North
Carolina . In my family, Steve follows Lynn in
birth-order, giving him the precarious honor of
being the youngest Schwabe sibling . For years,
Donna and I were convinced that Steve was
a confirmed bachelor. Then, he met Karen.
Now, not only does he have a wonderful wife,
in September 2007, he and Karen became the
proud parents of their first son, Michael. Look
on page 46 for Steve’s heartfelt memories of
Donna .
Jane Shoemaker, Flo Stafford & Pat VorreiterA hole-in-one. It’s every golfer’s dream—golf’s
ultimate measure of perfection . I, however,
can only live vicariously and imagine how
Donna felt one glorious day when she scored
a hole-in-one . The golf course was Deep Cliff
Golf Course in Cupertino, California . The loyal
gallery was her dear friends, Pat, Jane, and
Flo . Look for the full story on page 53 . Let me
add excitement to the memory by recounting
the phone call I received from Donna . My
cell phone rang and caller ID revealed the
call was from Donna . Her customary gentle,
“Hi, Honey,” was pre-empted with a shouted,
“Guess what!!!” Before I could spit out word
one, she blurted out the news, “I got a hole-
in-one . I got a hole-in-one .” Excited is hardly
the appropriate word . Overwhelmed comes
closer. But Donna being Donna, the call wasn’t
just about her accomplishment . It was as much
about the thrill of her golfing buddies. I must
confess, however, that playing a round of golf
with Donna was never again quite the same .
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Friends & FamilySchool . After we moved to California, Ron
and Debbie literally opened their home as
first Jena and then Kira attended the University
of Florida . To this day, all three girls have a
key that unlocks the Stainton’s front door. On
more than one occasion, Debbie has returned
home to find one of the girls (or at least some
evidence of them) in their home. Donna’s
pickle relish was a special favorite of Ron and
Randy . Debbie remarks that after Donna gave
them their first jar of homemade pickle relish,
hamburgers and hot dogs were never the
same . Look for the recipe on page 22 .
Cliff and Ruth StockRuth and Cliff, Donna’s parents, live in Grand
Junction, Colorado. Cliff’s career required
them to re-locate from Belleville, Illinois, to
Mount Prospect, Illinois, to farm country in
Harvard, Illinois . Now, in retirement, Cliff and
Ruth are enjoying Grand Junction, Colorado .
Quite candidly, during my early courtship of
Donna, Cliff terrified me. However, with three
daughters of my own, I realize he was a great
role model. That’s what a father should do.
It is hard to describe the depth and meaning
of Donna’s relationship with her parents.
Whether we lived 15 minutes or 1,500 miles
apart, their connection was strong . They never
Bill and Gayle SidesGayle and Bill live in Carlsbad, California .
We first met Bill when we lived in Reston,
Virginia . With our active family, something
was always breaking . What a relief to have the
expertise of Bill Sides—our personal Mr. Fix
It . Picture this: A cold winter day . Two small
girls . An ornery hot water heater that kicks the
proverbial bucket. One phone call hastened
Bill, our knight in shining armor, galloping to
the rescue . Because of its location and a weird
combination of pipes winding in and out of
our townhouse, replacing the water heater
was no easy feat . After several attempts and
numerous trips through the snow to various
hardware stores, Bill completed the job . Hot
water, once again, flowed into the Schwabe
household. Donna rewarded Mr. Fix It with
one of her specialties: Fannie Mae Fudge .
Look for the recipe on page 27 . Five pounds
of this decadent treat won’t be enough.
Guaranteed .
Ron and Debbie StaintonDebbie and Ron live in Coral Springs, Florida .
We became fast-friends with the Staintons
during the years we cheered our girls and their
son Randy through school events at Coral
Springs Middle School and Coral Springs High
missed a beat . Conversations that occurred
yesterday or last month were picked up,
seamlessly, in mid-sentence . Family—Cliff,
Ruth, and Donna defined the word. Look for
Ruth’s memories on page 42.
Steve and Annette StockSteve and Annette live in Littleton, Colorado .
From the moment I expressed a romantic
interest in Donna, Steve’s seemingly sole
mission in life was to ensure that I was
sufficiently worthy of courting his sister. Never
one to do anything halfway, Steve insisted
that I toe-the-line in each and every aspect of
the dating ritual . As testimony to his quest for
perfection, I refer you to his recipe for Hearty
German Soup found on page 45 . We were
introduced to this delightful soup during a
ski weekend in northern Wisconsin . Enjoying
this taste-treat cooked over an open campfire
only adds to its allure and Steve’s impressive
culinary skills . With that said, Annette, be
warned, you have your hands full .
FriendsFriends & Family
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Keith and Anne StrangeAnne and Keith were part of our original
Reston, Virginia “Gang of Eight .” Keith
taught us that what we once knew to be the
Civil War is actually pronounced the “War
of Northern Aggression .” Our education
continued when we learned the Battle of Bull
Run was actually two battles: the First and
Second Battle of Manassas . Anne introduced
us to cheese straws—look for the recipe for
this delicious treat on page 20—and South
Carolina Barbeque . Because of Anne and
Keith, the South has risen and shines brightly .
Larry and Bonnie StrikerBonnie and Larry live in Boca Raton, Florida .
We met Bonnie, and then Larry, through
our first church home in Florida—the First
Congregational Church of Boca Raton where
Bonnie led the Christian education program .
Because of Bonnie and Donna, our daughters
are well-grounded in their faith in God . Larry
provided us with a seemingly endless supply
of pocket-crosses—crosses that I still carry
with me. Look on page 28 for a typical fish
story .
Lee and Audrey WallaceAudrey and Lee live in Go-Gators-Lexington,
Kentucky . Our friendship with the Wallaces
stretches back to college days at Bradley
University, making it one of the longest on
record . Lee is infamous for being the King of
Practical Jokes . Whether giving or receiving,
no questions asked, he’s the best of the best.
When Donna was battling her disease, Lee
and Audrey made it their mission to bring
a smile to her face . Nearly every week, for
years, Donna opened the mailbox to discover
yet another card that made us laugh out loud .
On Lee’s 50th birthday—He’s much older
now!—she decided to “get even” and sent
him 50 birthday cards . Wanting to spread
out Lee’s delight, Donna mailed the cards
in groups . The plan was to have them arrive
sporadically several days before his birthday .
Imagine Donna’s reaction when she called
him and was informed that every single card
was delivered on the same day—one day after
his birthday . How appropriate . Schwabe Time
strikes again. Look for the recipe for Donna’s
Babka Cake on page 24. It’s one of Lee’s
favorites. He’ll be more than happy to make it
for you . . . just not in this lifetime .
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1 In 1997, Donna was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer . My initial realization of the seriousness of the disease hit me when Donna
was hospitalized at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Palm Beach, Florida. Until then, we’d struggled to find the right doctor—the doctor who wouldn’t view our case as a lost cause. And that’s when we encountered our first miracle. Doctor James Harris nursed Donna back from the brink . He gave us hope .
2 As Donna’s condition stabilized, Dr. Harris approved our move to Sunnyvale, California . A short three months after settling into our
new home, Donna was diagnosed with leukemia . Enter miracle number two . Our new oncologist, Dr . Hope Rugo, was also a hematologist . But most importantly, her ability to fight matched Donna’s. Donna’s only hope was a stem cell transplant. Dr. Rugo didn’t give up until we received the necessary clearances .
3 Now, we needed a stem cell donor who matched Donna’s blood chemistry. It’s rare that even a family member is an exact match.
Donna’s two brothers were tested. Miracle number
three occurred . They were both a perfect match . Donna quipped, “I’ll pick Steve. He’s better looking.”
4 Dr . Rugo warned us, “Stem cell transplants are risky procedures. It’s not unusual for patients to die .” She also made sure we
understood the stem cell transplant wouldn’t address breast cancer . However, if it were successful, it would cure Donna’s leukemia. Against all odds, Donna survived the procedure . With tears in her eyes and a catch in her voice, she called me, exuberant with the good news: The stem cell transplant was successful. Donna’s leukemia was cured, and the growth of her breast cancer was stemmed . We celebrated miracle number four . Donna, and I, and the girls packed as much living as possible into the next six years.
5 In April 2006, we returned to South Florida, in part, to work again with Dr . Harris in search of miracle number five.
The cancer had spread to her liver. Miracle five emerged on May 12th, when on a brilliant full moon, Donna returned home…forever.
Five MiraclesFor eight years, Donna battled her disease. Every hour of every day and every night, she fought. Along the way we encountered many victories. But most importantly, we were blessed with five miracles. No question. These miracles emboldened us, gave us hope, and strengthened our faith.
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Donna’s Tree
Friends & Family
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After Donna died, the family discussed ways to honor her memory . Given her love
of gardening and her green, green thumb, we decided planting a tree would be an
especially fitting tribute. I talked with Nancy Mercure. She immediately embraced the
idea and promised to work with our other Reston, Virginia friends to make it happen . And sure
enough. Donna’s Tree became a reality. Nancy and our friends worked closely with the Reston
Homeowner’s Association to select a beautiful red bud tree and to pick the perfect location.
And what a location . The tree looks out toward Lake Anne in Reston—the lake where Donna
and I docked our sailboat .
Our Reston friends placed an engraved rock at the base of the tree, and through every season,
they take loving care of Donna’s Tree. It’s safe to say that Donna’s Tree is the most beloved
tree in Reston . This picture captures memories of the Sunday I traveled to Reston to see my
great friends and dedicate the tree. As Donna’s Tree was planted, we spread some of her
ashes beneath its branches and prayed for renewed peace . More trees were planted . Coral
Springs, Florida, Los Altos, California, and even, the State of Israel treasure their own species of
Donna’s Tree. Others will follow. And Donna’s memory lives on.
We Will Survive!Proceeds from the sale of We Remember Donna will be used to further breast cancer initiatives . To order additional copies please visit www .memoirshoppe .com/resources .
About This Culinary MemoirThis custom edition of We Remember Donna was coordinated and edited by Memoir Shoppe in Fort Lauderdale, Florida . Book design, digital imaging and page layout was done by Shoebox Scanning & Design in Vero Beach, Florida.
Judith Kolva, Ph.D. is the founder and owner of Memoir Shoppe. Judith’s doctoral work focused on how preserving life stories can create meaning in life . She is a trusted interviewer, expert researcher, and gifted writer whose experience and expertise makes completing life stories easy. Judith travels worldwide transforming precious memories into priceless memoirs . Please visit her web site: www .memoirshoppe .com
cj Madigan is a publication designer and digital imaging specialist with over twenty years’ experience in graphic design and print production. Her firm, Shoebox Scanning & Design in Vero Beach, Florida, helps private publishers turn manuscripts into masterpieces. You can reach her through her web site: www.shoeboxscanning.biz.
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Donna chaiLLe schwaBe 1950-2006