Native Texan and a true “Southern Belle”, Donna Kay Pass, of Canton, Connecticut, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, September 23, 2024 at 9 pm. due to complications with her heart, while being cared for in her home by her daughter, Sheli, and son-in-law, Pat. She was surrounded by her family, church family, and friends during her final days.
Donna is survived by her children: Sheli Reddix of Tariffville, Connecticut, and her husband Pat, Derik Short of Copperas Cove, Texas, and his wife Julie, and Kyle Short of McKinney, Texas. Also, her beloved grandchildren and their families: Zachary Reddix of Weatogue, CT, his wife Megan, and their children; Kennedy, Sailor, and Ashton. Jacob Reddix of Tariffville, CT. Talia Eisle of McKinney, Texas, her husband Rogan, and their children; Easton and Emerson. Kayle Madison of Richardson, Texas, her husband Steven, and their children; Beckett, Penelope, Rhodes, and Iris. McKenzie Veit of Springdale, Arkansas, her husband Kyle, and their daughter; Magnolia. Addyson Stock of Fort Worth, Texas. Donna treasured all of her children, grandchildren, and her precious great grand-babies with all of her heart.
She is also survived by all those who knew her as “Sis”... Her dear brother Dick Kennedy, of Valley Mills, Texas, and his wife Celia, her sister-in-law, Wyvonne Kennedy of Post, Texas, her many nieces and nephews: Phyliss Walker, Jay Kennedy, Genetta Kennedy, Karla Kennedy, Lu Kennedy, Cara Davis, and Clif Kennedy, all of their precious children, and so many other beloved relatives, old friends from Texas, as well as her church family, and new friends she grew to love in Connecticut. They all held a very special place in Donna's heart and life.
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Donna Kay was born in Post, Texas, on December 1, 1936 to Jack & Selma Kennedy. She was raised on a west Texas farm, with one younger and one older brother. Educated through 12th grade, Donna did not get to attend the graduation ceremony with her classmates, due to the measles. She was well liked among her peers in school, especially her high school sweetheart, Len Short. Donna left school with a license to practice cosmetology, and soon after married Len, on September 5, 1956. Donna worked as a beautician while Len finished his degree. They moved to Richardson, Texas in 1960 to begin their life together. Donna raised their three children as a passionate wife, mother, and homemaker. She was an excellent seamstress, a fabulous cook, and made the most scrumptious desserts. She knew just how to entertain guests and always made visitors feel welcome and loved.
Donna played tennis, loved to do crafts of every kind, and was very talented in her gardening skills. She always had the most beautiful plants and flowers in her yard and in her home. Donna’s love for nurturing was present in both how she raised her family and her garden. She was involved in many things throughout her years as a wife and mother, including teaching children's Sunday school at First Baptist Church of Richardson, Texas. She was active in adult Bible studies and bridge club. Donna enjoyed vacationing all over the country with Len and the kids, as well as being the biggest fan at her children's sporting events, dance recitals, piano recitals, and so much more! Always up on the latest styles and trends; Donna was always considered the most fashionable in town! She dressed beautifully, and made sure her family was always dressed nice, too. It was rare to find her without her hair, nails, and make-up done.
Donna tried her hand at a few business adventures through the years, such as raising AKC Collie puppies, catering her delicious foods and baked goods, as well as starting up a children's clothing boutique called “The Cat & The Fiddle” in Plano, Texas. She enjoyed that children's shop very much! She and her family moved to Fairview, Texas in 1980. She, again, created a beautiful home there for her family and continued involvement in her children's many adventures and activities. She and Len loved being a part of the ministries of the First Baptist Church of Allen, Texas, and made some of the dearest friends of their lives during their years there. Donna could regularly be found at local tea rooms having lunch with friends or at craft club, making the latest & greatest new thing! Donna was a very well rounded lady and enjoyed being part of so many wonderful activities. She, unfortunately, suffered the loss of her husband, Len, in February 1984, and decided sometime after, to go back into cosmetology, part-time, to help keep herself busy after her loss. 3 years later, Donna's friends began asking if she'd marry again. But, she told everyone, “If God wants me to marry again, He will have to bring me a husband!” Her friends got a kick out of that! She was never willing to go to a club or party, so they figured she would never meet anyone. But in God's sovereignty, she did meet a man that she would later marry. God brought him right to her front door! His name was Bill Pass, and he was a blind date, set up by a close friend who knew them both well. They were wed on September 12, 1987. With her children off at college or married Donna and Bill began a wonderful life together, traveling the globe. Then came the grandchildren. And once again, she spent much of her time attending her grandchildren's activities and events. It was the joy of her life! Donna had many wonderful and fulfilling years with Bill, being involved in their church activities at FBC Richardson, spending time with family, and making their home together. They were a match made in heaven! But she lost her sweet Bill on January 24, 2012. Since that time, Donna remained unmarried, but enjoyed a full life with her loved ones. She was often found having fun with her circle of dearest friends during her years as a widow. She kept very busy and still traveled some. One of her favorite things was being part of a group of ladies who crocheted baby blankets and little matching hats for the new babies born at Parkland hospital in Dallas, Texas. Donna was always generous with her gifts and talents. She was known by many for her delicious chocolate meringue pie and her chocolate chip cookies and often made them for friends who were ill or for families with new babies, or just because.
Most importantly, Donna had a heart for the gospel of Jesus Christ. She made it a point to continually be in a Bible study group or “Women on Missions” over the years. She always attended Sunday Worship and read her Bible. She would talk with complete strangers and share her faith with them. If she noticed someone who seemed like they were troubled, she would talk with them and tell them about Jesus. Donna loved the Lord, and she did her best to share that love with others, especially her own children, her grandchildren and her precious great grand babies. Donna was known as “Grammy” or “Gram” to her grandchildren, and “Great Grammy” to their children. She truly revolved her life around them all, and they loved her so much.
Something fun about Donna was that if you asked anyone who knew her what her favorite color was, they immediately said “pink.” She had pink flowers in her home and in pink in her décor. Her nails and her clothing were often shades of pink. She loved anything pink. She even set her email address as “allaboutpink” It was Donna's signature color. She was the original “Pink Lady!”
In early 2021, Donna agreed to move to Connecticut, to be with her daughter's family. It was not an easy decision, after 84 years of living in Texas; to uproot herself and move to the northeast, but it was the right decision. Once her family found a home in Simsbury, CT, it took her no time to get involved in things. She joined the Simsbury Senior Center, where she made many new friends. They all loved her southern accent! Donna was quick to find a hair and nail salon nearby, as well. She soon moved to her own apartment in Canton, CT, and turned it into a beautiful home in no time. She began attending Valley Community Baptist Church, in Avon, CT. where she grew to love the people and make close friends. She especially loved a sweet little cafe near her home called “BeanZ and Co.” where almost every week she shared breakfast or lunch with “the Beanz gang.” It was her very favorite place! Her family would tell you that she brought up “Beanz” in conversation, daily, which wasn't surprising since Donna loved good food and desserts! She stayed actively involved in the lives of her grand-kids and their children, and though her health was affecting her some days, over the past year, she still made it to softball games, birthday parties, and family gatherings.
Donna loved her family, and though she was a long distance from many of her relatives, grandchildren, and their little ones, she kept in touch, loved them deeply, and prayed for them all continually. Prayer and God's word were always a priority to Donna. She lived a life seeking after God's heart, and knew that she would forever be in His presence when the day came that the Lord chose to take her home.
Family & friends will gather for a private
“Celebration of Life” service on Sunday, December 1st
at Valley Community Baptist Church in Avon, CT
(This would have been Donna’s 88th Birthday!)
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