Helena resident Donna Lou Orr passed away surrounded by her family on February 11, 2017, following a short and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Donna was born in Helena on January 9, 1936, to Eugene Eggan and Ruth Montgomery Eggan, the sixth of seven children.
Donna spent most of her life in Helena, working many years for the Veteran’s Administration. In the late 80’s she began working for the Immigration and Naturalization Service where she served as an Information Officer until her retirement. She was so excited about her retirement so she could spend more time with her friends and family. She especially treasured time with her daughter, Rene, and her two grandchildren, Heather and Mark. Donna had a very close relationship with her grandchildren. One of the happiest moments in her life was the birth of her great granddaughter, Eviana.
During the first few years of her retirement, Donna spent countless hours fixing up her home and working in her yard. She planted all types of flowers, put out bird feeders, decorated her patio and put in a small swimming pool. Her beautiful back yard became a place she loved to entertain in the summer for many years. Donna also loved going to antique shops, finding treasures to bring home and restore.
Donna loved her family and her dogs. She was very supportive of rescue animals, and always owned a dog. She had a little rescue dog named E.T. which she adored. Having family gatherings was so special and important to her. For many years, Donna and her two oldest sisters, Jackie and Eve, would get together at her home for dinner and movies. They would have so much fun, laughing and talking about old times. And occasionally after a couple of martinis, Donna and Jackie, both known to be fiesty and highly opinionated, would get into an argument and sweet Eve would be the referee. Our family has been thinking that Jesus is going to have his hands full with these three!
Donna had been single for many years when her daughter decided to do some matchmaking by introducing her mom to a wonderful man, Chuck Eatinger. What started out as a blind date spanned into nearly 14 years of a devoted and loving relationship between Chuck and Donna. They loved to go out dancing to the one-man band “Rabbit”, cooking good food together, and supporting each other thru the good times and bad. Chuck was by Donna’s side until her untimely death.
Donna was blessed to have many wonderful friends, including several classmates from high school. She helped plan class reunions and really looked forward to getting together with her classmates every week for Beers and Wings night at the Brewhouse. Donna treasured her friendships. Friends remember her for her zest of life, her fun and stylish fashion, her sense of humor and her loyalty. They always knew they could depend on Donna.
Donna is survived by her daughter, Rene Little of Helena; granddaughter Heather (Ryan) Grigg and great granddaughter, Eviana of Casper, Wyoming; grandson Mark Herrin of Helena; brother Eugene (Jeannie) Moe of Newport Oregon; sister-in-law Mary Lou Eggan of Helena; loving companion Chuck Eatinger of Helena; nieces and nephews Debbie (Dave) Olson of Helena; Steve (Robin) Freeburg of Springfield, Oregon; Yvonne (Dave) Casagrande of Billings; Karen (Perry) Jacobson of Whitefish; Egan (Aga) Moe of Hawaii; Laurie Gardinier of Ocean Side, California; grand nieces and nephews: Ole (Maleen) Olson of Helena; Bradley Olson of Helena; Jessica (Ryan) Thompson of Springfield, Oregon; Jaime Kirkpatrick of Springfield, Oregon; Jodi Freeburg of Springfield, Oregon; Shannon (Mike) Marceau of Washington; Brenna (Jamie) Livingston of California; Kyle Jacobson of Hawaii; Mike Jacobson of Portland, Oregon; Ava Moe of Hawaii. Preceding Donna in death were brothers Bobby Eggan; Kenneth Eggan; Donald Eggan; sisters Evelyn Eggan Moe; and Jacqueline Eggan Freeburg. We are all going to miss Donna, she was so full of life, fun, loyal and devoted to everyone she loved. The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Weiner and all the staff at the oncology unit at St. Peter’s hospital for their wonderful care of Donna. Also, all her dear friends and our amazing family that sent her prayers and comforted her during her short illness. She so appreciated your love and support.
A celebration of her life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 20th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Avenue. A reception will follow the service in the social hall of the funeral home. Graveside services will follow the reception at 2:00 p.m. at East Helena City Cemetery. Pallbearers for the service will be Chuck Eatinger, Mark Herrin, Ryan Grigg, Dave Olson, Ole Olson, and Steve Freeburg. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Donna’s name may be sent to Lewis & Clark Humane Society, P.O. Box 4455, Helena, MT 59604.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 20, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Monday February 20, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Monday February 20, 2017
East Helena City Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday February 20, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Monday February 20, 2017
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
2:00 p.m.
Monday February 20, 2017
East Helena City Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
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Bridger veterinary hospital says
To all of Donna’s family,
She was the sweetest lady and we all looked forward to her visits (and her goodies of course). we will miss her soft smile and sparkling eyes.
You are in our thoughts and prayers,
Keith, Shar, Steve and the staff at Bridger Veterinary
D. Charvat says
She was a special lady who will be missed by many. In her job with INS and later DHS, she assisted hundreds of legal immigrants with paperwork so they could become US citizens. She always did this with a smile and kind words.
JoAnn Longmire says
Chuck and Rene, so sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. She was a great lady and will surely be missed. My deepest sympathy to your family.
Leona Zaharko says
I worked with Donna at the VA for many years. She always had such a bright, bubbly personality.
I am so sorry for your great loss.
Loa Roman says
I also worked with Donna for many years, off and on, starting in 1979 @ the VA and then later with Immigration Service and Dept. of Homeland Security. We always kept in touch, have so many special memories and wonderful, priceless friendship. I miss her lots but know she is with Jesus now.
Rita Tenneson says
My heart is heavy. I miss my dear friend, her bubbling personality, her hugs, her enthusiasm, her special fteindship. It is difficult to believe I won’t see her again here, but the comforting thing is that we will meet again in Heaven one day where we can renew our friendship and walk through God’s garden together. The little bird she gave me will keep us close until then.. My condolences to her family. Donna was extra, extra special and there is an enptiness in all our hearts. God bless you for taking such wonderful care of her. Rita Tenneson
LORETO "PWEE" McCullough says
Rene & Family,I am so sorry for you loss of Donna,she was quite the Lady,& always brought a smile & laughter when she came to the Credit Union, she will be missed by all. Loreto “PWEE” McCullough
Lori Cole says
Heaven gets an angel! Thinking of Donna’s family and Chuck, the sadness is heartfelt.
Patty and Don Whitney says
Patty and I had the great pleasure to work with Donna at INS and to call her a friend. She always spoke her mind, her laugh and smile were contagious and her martinis were supurb. Everyone who knew Donna will miss her.our thoughts are with Rene and Chuck and their families.