Donna Jean Maguire – December 3, 2021

   Donna Jean (Whiting) Maguire, passed away on December 3, 2021 at her home in Monument, Colorado, with her loving husband and children at her side.

   Our beloved wife, mother, Grammie and Mimi was born on June 30, 1929, to Andrew Boyd and Mary Agnes (Rahbar) Whiting in Belvidere, Illinois. Donna enjoyed her childhood, growing up with her younger sister, Ardie. Her favorite summers were spent at Delavan Lake, Wisconsin, where she worked as a lifeguard and won a medal for swimming ALL THE WAY across the lake. Her teen years were spent cheerleading and enjoying sports and friends.

   After graduation from Belvidere High School in 1947, Donna headed west by train to attend The University of Colorado in Boulder. She was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, where she made many lifelong friends. She was also a member of the school’s synchronized swim team. Being invited to perform with that team more than once at The Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs was a highlight of her college career. Upon earning her teaching certificate in 1951, Donna and a friend moved to Santa Barbara, California, where she taught second grade before returning home to Illinois where she continued to teach.

   One night while out with friends, Donna reconnected with Jim Maguire, an old friend from high school, who had recently returned from Korea. After a whirlwind romance and plied with shrimp cocktails and martinis by her parents, Jim proposed and they were married on June 28, 1953, two days before her 24^th birthday. Donna’s Life Plan was complete when she and Jim welcomed daughter Melissa in 1955 and son Kevin in 1957.

   Proud to support her husband in his climb through the ranks at Overhead Door Corporation, Donna worked in the office alongside Jim. She moved the family as needed, set up new homes, settled into each new community and made lasting friends in every place they lived. She was the ultimate dedicated wife, caring mother, grandmother and homemaker. Donna was proof that behind every successful man is a great woman!  

   The Maguires moved to Colorado Springs in 1969 when they purchased the Overhead Door Company of Colorado Springs. ‘Mrs. M’ not only helped the business to thrive, she became a volunteer in several area service organizations. Donna served as a docent at The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, volunteered at The Assistance League of Colorado Springs, and was a member of the local Kappa Alpha Theta Alumnae Chapter, The Tri-Lakes Women’s Club and The Church at Woodmoor.

   After moving to Monument, Donna affectionately became known as the Co-Mayor of Maguireville, where she and Jim hosted numerous gatherings among their collection of antiques and western memorabilia. The consummate hostess, Donna was famous for encouraging music, piano playing, dancing and merry-making. Her deviled eggs and chocolate sheet cake were legendary. Through the years, Donna also enjoyed playing golf and tennis, traveling, gardening and antiquing.

   Donna will be remembered for her big heart, bright smile, beautiful blue eyes and quick wit. No one will forget her strong determination and her great love of friends and family.

   Donna was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Ardith Tangman. She is survived by the loves of her life, husband James Maguire, daughter Melissa (Richard) Powell, son Kevin (Catherine) Maguire, grandsons Tyler (Joanne) Powell and Logan (Laura) Powell, and granddaughter Morgan (Joshua) Wright. Donna also leaves Nicholas (Katherine) Beardsley, Matthew (Erin) Beardsley, Anna (Hunter Ventry) Galindo, Adrienne (Johnnie) Enger, Joseph Galindo, Allison (Levi) Rauch, Kim Thieme, Brian Belger, and ten dear great-grandchildren. Special nieces Sallie (James) Soto, Deborah (James) Stanton, Susan (David) Casey and brother-in-law Gordon Tangman also mourn her passing.

   Donna’s family wishes to thank her special caregivers and Abode Hospice for their loving and compassionate care over the last few months. Their gratitude is also extended to her many friends for their continued love and support.

   A celebration of life is planned for 3:00 pm. on Friday, January 14, 2022 at The Church at Woodmoor, 18125 Furrow Road, Monument, C0 80132.

   In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Donna’s honor to The Assistance League of Colorado Springs, 405 S. Nevada, Colorado Springs, CO 80903 or The Tri-Lakes Women’s Club, PO Box 669, Monument, CO 80132, attn: Geri Bush.