Diann Wilcox Donoviel Obituary (1943 - 2011)

How do you express so many feelings about someone who was your everything in just a few words? You simply write, Diann W. Donoviel, my Mom. She was born to my amazing Grandparents Ed and Connie Wilcox on April, 12, 1943 and passed away the morning of February 6, 2011 with me right by her side. It was always like that Dad, Mom and Me. She was the only girl in her family with three brothers. She adored her big brother Kent, and I know she will be very happy to see him again. She married her best friend Wayne D Donoviel and I now realize that they REALLY were soul mates, she has missed him so. (Dad, here is a hint, your anniversary is February 12, not the 13th and Mom will be there, I would suggest you do something pretty special, and none of your “joke” gifts on this one, you might need the brownie points.) They only had one child, me, Deb Donoviel Harper. Oh and did I mention that up until my Dad took me to the blessing circle my Mom thought I would be named Breean? Yup that was my Dad, he decided it was too difficult to say “Breean Donoviel”, so he changed it to Debra!!! At that point my sweet innocent Mom just went along with it. I can attest that later in their marriage Wayne WOULD NOT have gotten away with it. LOL Mom definitely found her mojo and that Greek in her showed right up. I married Bill Harper, whom I just lost in September of last year. We created the blessings of all of our lives, Madison Harper (18), and our twinners, Max and Emily Harper (12). Mom was so very proud of them, and absolutely spoiled each and every one of us with all her love. I guess I can’t leave out my four legged sisters, Ossie and Meika. Seriously, they are the two most spoiled cats alive. Let’s just say their heating pads will not be making the move to our house. She was nothing but incredible. My mentor, my best friend, my shoulder to cry on, my cheerleader, and most of all she made me who I am today. She taught me, and showed me what it meant to truly love someone and give your entire heart and soul to them, because that is exactly what she did for us. Mom was so motivated and such an amazing business woman, at the age of 15 she started her own dance studio and it was a complete success for many years. She then decided that she was ready for a change and jumped into the travel business. From there she went to work for the State of Utah. She was instrumental in establishing the travel department. She retired and moved to Draper to be closer to me, which was FANTASTIC. I have so many memories of my cute Mom, traveling, watching movies, talking for hours, shopping, being silly, and my childhood, she was just the coolest Mom ever end of story! I am not quite sure how I will get over this one, I guess that is what happens when someone leaves you that has just been your everything for so many years. I just need to realize that they needed someone to watch over my Dad and Husband, let’s just say they knew how to have fun. Good Luck Mom, save me a bar stool. And Mom, thanks for everything, you did well! A very special thank you to the incredible nurses and Dr. Hawkins at Alta View Hospital, what would I have done without you. She never wanted a funeral, so as per her wishes a private family graveside service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to No More Homeless Pets in Utah in Mom’s name. http://www.utahpets.org/nmhcms/tabid/65/default.aspx