It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Donna Jean Turgeon, a woman of unbridled positivity and soulshine. Donna was born on May 1, 1949, and stepped through Heaven’s gate on December 20, 2025. She fought breast cancer heroically and withstood discomfort with an amazing grace.
Donna resided in Breckenridge, Colorado, at the time of her death. She was born in Bismarck, North Dakota, to Pete and Dorothy Riedinger (both deceased). In 1985, she married Robert (Bob) Turgeon in Princeton, New Jersey. Donna is survived by her husband and two daughters, Patricia and Kelly Turgeon. She dedicated her life to being a spectacular wife, mother, and friend.
Through her 76-year pilgrimage, she touched many lives with her kindness, compassion, and inner beauty. She made it her mission to improve the lives of others, most often in an unassuming and involuntary response. Love was her substrate.
Whether in lifelong duty as a registered nurse or as a family member, friend, or fleeting acquaintance, Donna placed others first. Her humility and selflessness shone through.
Donna was fearless in her approach to life’s adventures. She led the way, even after age 70, when she could be found jumping from a 30-foot cliff into a river, repelling a waterfall, cajoling new friends into an approaching ice bath, or just doing the splits for fun. She exuded an inspirational confidence that moved people to follow her and to smile.
Donna was devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Every morning, she thanked Him for the new day and for her many blessings. She prayed the rosary daily. Her dedication to prayer and to having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ were the wellspring of her radiant joy.
Donna loved butterflies—symbols of transformation, freedom, and new beginnings. They never ceased to bring her wonder. From now on, when a butterfly crosses our path, we will feel her spirit—light, free, and full of grace, and be reminded that true love never departs but only changes form.
In addition to her husband and two daughters, Donna is survived by her sister, Kathy Glatt, and by three brothers, Michael, Larry, and Daniel Riedinger. She will be sadly missed by many other family members and friends, especially Ted and Nancy Baruch and Mike and Mary Kay Van Allen. Donna’s infectious, beautiful spirit will live within our hearts forevermore.
A funeral Mass will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, January 22, 2026, at St. Frances Cabrini Parish in Littleton, Colorado.
The family kindly requests that, instead of sending flowers, donations be made to Samaritan's Purse.
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