Donna L. Canter died peacefully at her home in Oak Harbor with her loving family by her side on Monday, March 17, 2014 at the age of 68. She was born in LaJolla, CA on November 3, 1945 to Isabell and John Boatman. Donna grew up in Pacific Beach, CA and attended Mission Bay High School.

While working as a waitress she “accidently on purpose” spilled coffee on an unsuspecting gentleman by the name of Nelson Canter, who subsequently turned out to be the love of her life. They were married on June 12, 1967 and Donna, with her son Joe and new husband, settled down in Southern CA to raise their family. With Nelson in the Army and deployed to Vietnam, the family lived in a number of different communities until he was discharged from the service.

Daughter, Janet was born in Monterey in 1969, followed by son, Nelson II born in 1973. The children were raised and went to school in Chula Vista. During this time,
Donna worked a variety of jobs mainly serving as a caregiver for the elderly.

With the children grown and out of the house, Donna and Nelson moved to El Cajon, CA where Nelson owned his own auto mechanic shop and Donna continued to care for the elderly. In 2000 they became the proud owners of their first home in San Diego.

Donna was a full time caregiver for her grandson, Brandon, until Janet, her husband Mike, and Brandon were transferred from NAS North Island to NAS Whidbey Island in July 2008. Nelson, Sr. was also working at NAS North Island and was able to transfer to Whidbey as well.

On December 26, 2008, Donna was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer and her battle began. After a series of chemotherapy and radiation treatments Donna was told in October 2009, that her cancer was in remission. Other health issues followed in 2010. In 2011, Nelson developed lymphoma and died 4 months later on Nov. 9, 2011. In 2013 Donna’s cancer returned. She began treatments, and actually had a treatment schedule for Monday, the day she passed.

Known as “Mom” to all her friends, Donna had a love and zest for life. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a caregiver to the elderly as well as volunteering her time to the students of North Whidbey Middle School. She will be greatly missed by her extended family and friends.

Donna is survived by her children Joseph (Janet) Canter of Chula Vista, CA; Janet (Mike) Corbin of Oak Harbor; and Nelson Canter (Heather Carlon) of San Diego, CA. Also surviving are grandchildren Joseph and Breanna Canter, Brandon Corbin, Logan and Levi Canter and Sister-in-law, Donna Boatman. She was preceded in death by her husband Nelson and her parents.

Per Donna’s wishes, no formal funeral services will be held. The family is planning a Celebration of Life/Open House at the family home at a later date.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home & Cremation, Oak Harbor. Please visit Donna’s Book of Memories page hosted by the funeral home at their website, www.wallinfuneralhome.com.