| Author | Content |
melody
Benton, KY (Zone 7a)
 July 12, 2011 5:19 PM Post #8688975
| Donna Brickman, known to everyone at DG as SoCal passed away, July 12. She joined us on December 6, 2000. She was one of the first 200 members and watched this little website grow from just a trading page and one discussion forum; to the huge, global community we have today. Donna loved gardening and sharing what she grew. Many of us have plants in our gardens that were the result of her generosity. Her smile was infectious and those that knew her couldn't help loving her.
In 2003, we were a small group of strangers who got to know each other through our love of gardening. Donna convinced her husband get on a plane with her and come to Kentucky for the Roundup on Lake Barkley, where all of these 'internet people' were gathering. She wanted to meet some of the people who she had been getting to know through DG. We all had a wonderful time and after that, Donna opened her home on many occasions to host get-togethers, plantswaps and lunches in California.
We all enjoyed seeing pictures of her gardens and for those of us who live in rural areas, it was amazing how she could pack that much plant material into a small city lot.
And now, she's a member of this ever-growing Memory Garden. Good friends have gone before her and it is part of the circle of life that good friends will follow her too. Those of us who were fortunate to know her well, smile when we see her plants growing in our gardens, and many of us will also plant something in her memory this week as well.
Quoting:It is like the seed put in the soil - the more one sows, the greater the harvest...Orison Swett Marden
Donna's harvest was gardens of friends from around the world and we'll all miss her terribly.
A special nod of thanks to our dear, departed friend Floridian, for the lovely picture of Donna, taken at the Kentucky roundup in 2003
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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WaterCan2
Eastern Long Island, NY (Zone 7a)
July 12, 2011 5:35 PM Post #8689020
| Sorry to hear that, my condolences to her family. |
Terry
Murfreesboro, TN (Zone 7a)
July 12, 2011 5:37 PM Post #8689021
| I am so sorry for her family's loss, and for the loss to this DG family. We will miss you, Donna!!!! |
roadrunner
Hereford, AZ (Zone 8a)
July 12, 2011 6:01 PM Post #8689070
| Melody, that was a beautiful tribute to this special lady...just think...she is now in the Heavenly Garden with Floridian and Diane...what a threesome they will make!!
I hope someday that I will be blessed with their company again!! I have lots of seeds she gave me when I visited her last. I talked to her by phone about 3 weeks ago...her dear sister was with her and she was in such high spirits. I will miss you dear heart!! Jo |
ZZsBabiez
Lodi, CA (Zone 9b)
July 12, 2011 6:10 PM Post #8689083
| RIP SoCal... you are missed dearly. |
weegy12
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
July 12, 2011 6:34 PM Post #8689135
| What a beautiful picture of Donna, sleep in peace now my dear, dear Donna. |
faeden
SF Bay Area, CA (Zone 9b)
July 12, 2011 6:45 PM Post #8689173
| Melody, thank you for the tribute to Donna. My prayers go out to her family, both here and at home. I didn't know her, but I know those who did will never forget her. |
gardenwife
Newark, OH (Zone 5b)
July 13, 2011 12:04 AM Post #8689501
| I'm so sad to have lost another good DG friend. Howie and I both have great memories of spending time with her and Jerry at that roundup. She was such a genuinely kind, loving woman. Everyone she met was a friend. |
JuJu55
Jasper Co., MO (Zone 6b)
July 13, 2011 6:42 AM Post #8689722
| I never forget about Donna that she is good and happy so I m so in shock now and hopeful she gone to Garden heaven...
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Desertdenial5
Tolleson, AZ (Zone 9a)
July 13, 2011 6:53 AM Post #8689736
| Donna was a very special lady. She made you feel like you had known her all your life. She will be greatly missed. Jerry I am sorry for your loss and I am sending hugs your way. |
SkeptikSharon
Ontario, CA (Zone 8b)
July 13, 2011 7:05 AM Post #8689754
| I'm so sorry to hear about Donna. I wish I had the opportunity to get to know her. She sounds like she was a wonderful person and a good friend to all. |
RODICAP
Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b)
July 13, 2011 7:56 AM Post #8689829
| Donna was one of the best people I know. Carring, loving and helping everybody that came her way. I feel so lucky to have known her and to be called friend by her.
My condolences to her family. |
Joan
Belfield, ND (Zone 4a)
 July 13, 2011 8:50 AM Post #8689931
| I'm so sorry to hear about this. Donna was one of the first friends I made when I joined DG. I will miss her. |
locakelly
Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9a)
July 13, 2011 8:54 AM Post #8689938
| My condolences and prayers go out to Donna's family. I am sorry I never had the pleasure of meeting her as she sounds like a very special lady!! |
plantnutz
Austell, GA (Zone 7a)
July 13, 2011 2:40 PM Post #8690553
| I am so sorry to hear this. She was a very dear lady. My heart goes out to her family. Was it sudden or had she been sick?
Brenda |
taynors
Urbana, OH (Zone 5b)
July 13, 2011 6:08 PM Post #8690887
| sending T&P to her family.
she was a fun person to talk with . I didn't know her well but got to talk with her a few times while here on DG.
many special thoughts
sue |
weegy12
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
July 13, 2011 6:23 PM Post #8690905
| Brenda, she had cancer for a year. |
roadrunner
Hereford, AZ (Zone 8a)
July 13, 2011 8:09 PM Post #8691095
| I just went back to the first KY RU thread to think of the first time I had met Donna and Jerry...It dawned on me that we had DMJ/Doris, Floridian/Stacey, and SoCal/Donna all together at that time...now all three have left this earth and have probably met up again in the Heavenly Garden!! I loved all three of them. Jo |
roadrunner
Hereford, AZ (Zone 8a)
July 14, 2011 1:40 PM Post #8692309
| I found this picture in the first RU that was in TN...Donna managed to "work herself" into attending ...Jo 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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weegy12
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
July 14, 2011 3:01 PM Post #8692466
| That is hilarious, what a sense of humor!
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dillansnana
Hemet, CA (Zone 9b)
July 17, 2011 5:51 PM Post #8698462
| Everyone
I have hesitated to post @ Donna because it hurts too
much that she is gone. I was a newbie at 2 RU's that I met her. She was just as Rodica described. Made us feel right at home and so very giving. Even very heartfully asked us to visit her in her home. Didn't happen however I'm so very, very blessed to have a couple of plants in our yard which she so very generously shared.
My heartfelt condolences to all her family,
She was a very special lady and will be so missed by all!
Sylvia Kinnee |
hope43
Tulsa, OK (Zone 7a)
July 18, 2011 8:22 PM Post #8700851
| So very sorry. know she will be missed by everyone here. prayers for all her family and friends. |
SingingWolf
Menifee, CA (Zone 9a)
July 19, 2011 12:43 PM Post #8702001
| Sometimes in our lives we meet people who accept us as we are, and make us want to be better because of their example. Donna, was just such a person. She was kind and giving and just plain fun to be around. I had the good fortune of meeting her shortly after I joined DG. She was everything Rodica said, generous, helpful, welcoming, a real Lady.
Oh, I do remember how sad she was that she'd forgotten her favorite salad bowl, after we hosted our first RU here. I mailed it back to her in time for Thanksgiving. : - )
I know she didn't post much of late, but she was lurking, and I would often try to make her laugh, with some of the stuff I posted.
I will never forget the conversations we had about red eared slider turtles. : - )
Wish I could tell her mine laid eggs this year, (in a gopher hole), and I got a photo of two big turtles and saw one little turtle all at once this spring.
But mostly I will remember her for being such a warm and helpful person. I was really surprised when this gift from her bloomed this year. She was so generous. Sadly, I've forgotten the name of the plant (see photo), but I will always remember who gave it to me with joy in my heart, for having had the opportunity to meet such a Lovely Lady. She will be greatly missed.
While I am grieving for our dear Donna, I know that she was in a lot of pain from the cancer, and as hard as she fought, it still won. I know that she is no longer in pain, and is probably cracking wise with my Dad, and her other DG friends who'd passed away before her. At least I like to think that, it comforts me to know that we will be reunited with our loved ones someday.
My deepest condolences to her family and all of her many friends here at DG. I know she touched many lives and words are just not enough to express my sorrow . . .
Here's a big "HUG" for everyone who knew and cared for Donna. Especially, her DH and her Sis, who were such a comfort to her.
Walk In Beauty, as did Donna~
SingingWolf
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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weegy12
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
July 19, 2011 12:58 PM Post #8702043
| Donna gave me one of those too SW and another but I've forgotten both names. The other one she gave me is so big and full of blooms right now. Can't help but think of Donna every time I see it out front.
She was a good friend to me. I can't believe it's been a week already.
Good to see you posting SW. I hope everything is going better for you now and that you're feeling better.
Here's a picture from a little gathering I had a couple of years ago...notice how the light shines directly on Donna.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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SingingWolf
Menifee, CA (Zone 9a)
July 19, 2011 1:25 PM Post #8702086
| Weegy,
That was the one I had to miss. I recognize most everyone in that photo. Yes, the sun was shining on Donna that day. Bless her heart, she was such a great person.
I can't thank you enough for keeping us posted on her health, and even though I missed the thread you posted when Donna was in ICU, (my Mom was in the Hospital at the same time), my heart does go out to the family and I know that those flowers will always be known to me as Donna's gift flowers, to me. Found a better photo.
Been weeping all day, but know she's in good company.
Forgot to mention her DD and GS, but they were included in that huge "HUG".
WIB,
SW
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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weegy12
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
July 19, 2011 1:34 PM Post #8702103
| I know and understand. You had enough going on yourself at that time. |
beckygardener
(Becky) in Sebastian, FL (Zone 10a)
July 19, 2011 4:05 PM Post #8702407
| So sorry to hear that we've lost another special friend. I agree with SW that I hope she has joined many of our other gardening friends in Heaven. My sympathy goes out to her family and many, many friends! |
KyWoods
Melbourne, KY (Zone 6a)
July 19, 2011 7:23 PM Post #8702730
| I just found this thread, and though I didn't know her, I'll miss seeing her posts. I'm so sorry for the loss, but I agree that she must be busy working in God's garden with our other Dg friends there. |
gardenwife
Newark, OH (Zone 5b)
July 20, 2011 11:50 AM Post #8704039
| Peggy (Mystic), Donna, Susie (Calalily) and Vic at the 2003 KYRU. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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gardenwife
Newark, OH (Zone 5b)
July 20, 2011 11:51 AM Post #8704041
| Ralph (Mr. Mistymeadows), Jerry, and Donna at the hoedown at the 2003 KYRU. :) 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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gardenwife
Newark, OH (Zone 5b)
July 20, 2011 11:52 AM Post #8704042
| Another shot of the hoedown from the 2003 KYRU. With Ralph, Esther (Esther_Z6), Kathy (Mistymeadows) and Jerry. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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gardenwife
Newark, OH (Zone 5b)
July 20, 2011 12:00 PM Post #8704058
| My mom Cathy (Lotusblossom) and Donna at the 2003 KYRU. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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gardenwife
Newark, OH (Zone 5b)
July 20, 2011 12:01 PM Post #8704060
| This is Lisa's photo, but I know she won't mind my reposting it. Donna made these darling little spoon people as gifts for everyone at the 2003 KYRU. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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gardenwife
Newark, OH (Zone 5b)
July 20, 2011 12:06 PM Post #8704068
| This little kitty's name was Rocky. Paul and Stacey (Floridian) found him on their way up to the KYRU. He came along for the ride and had a permanent home with them. Donna was smitten with the kittens. Lisa's family had kittens with them, too, and I think Donna had a kitten attached to her 90% of the time that weekend. :)
Quoting:I enjoyed meeting all these pets as much as their owners. I was looking forward to meeting Emma and Sarah since they are famous now. lol I also did a lot of bonding with Carly, Mels little dog, and Stacy's dog Buster. I just love animals and enjoyed them all.
The kitties were just too precious and I couldn't stop holding them. Lisa tried to talk my DH into letting me have one but his comment was "she can have a kitty or the internet"...guess you know which one I had to give back. hehe
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/402437/
This message was edited Jul 20, 2011 2:07 PM
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Horseshoe
Efland, NC (Zone 7a)
July 20, 2011 1:03 PM Post #8704171
| Wow. Thanks for posting all the pics, folks. I was at a couple of those Round Ups when Donna came. I even got to spend some time with Jerry, Donna's beloved. Sure was a nice treat to see and be with them both.
And yep, what a gathering the year Doris, Donna, and Stacy were all there.
"now all three have left this earth and have probably met up again in the Heavenly Garden!"
Hey, Jo, I reckon they're laying the groundwork for yet another garden, eh?
Thinking of Jerry and Donna today. They're separate physically now but no doubt still together in many other ways.
Hugs all around!
Shoe
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SingingWolf
Menifee, CA (Zone 9a)
July 20, 2011 1:29 PM Post #8704243
| Gardenwife,
That is so nice of you to post the photos of Donna. : - )
I hope it not only helps her DG family of friends, but also her relatives.
I know that I appreciated the photos that were posted of my Dad when he passed away. I don't have many of him, except with his camera attached to his face. : - )
I wanted to share this song/video with you. It has touched my heart and spirit in a profound and comforting way.
This one is for you, Donna, enjoy your journey to the Great Mystery.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_qFbNskjCI&feature=related
May it bring some peace, solace and acceptance to all.
Walk In Beauty,
SingingWolf |
MistyMeadows
Payneville, KY (Zone 7a)
July 20, 2011 5:04 PM Post #8704558
| SingingWolf, that was beautiful and Donna would have loved it. I am so saddened by the news of the loss of Donna. She was one of those rare people that come along that light up a room and bring sunshine to every one she met.
I first met her at the 2003 Kentucky Roundup and I still have my spoon person :) She was so good to everyone that was there and just kept loving on my granddaughter.
Donna, what a blessing to have not only known you, but to have met you too :)
I'll see you again one day.
With love, Kathy & Ralph |
dillansnana
Hemet, CA (Zone 9b)
July 26, 2011 1:41 PM Post #8716666
| Jules
The flower you posted, given to you by Donna is a Alstroemeria.
Love ya,
Sylvia |
SingingWolf
Menifee, CA (Zone 9a)
July 28, 2011 10:36 AM Post #8721033
| Sylvia, I will never be able to remember that name, although I do recognize it being it's correct name, so take note Weegy! LOL!
To me it will always be Donna's beautiful flowering plant. : - )
Thanks for taking the time to look it up Sylvia. That was sweet of you.
WIB~
SW |
weegy12
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
July 28, 2011 11:31 AM Post #8721113
| I will SW. I have that one in my head now. I have some sort of geranium Donna gave me also and have to post in ID forum.
BTW, the service for Donna was wonderful. I learned so many things I didn't know about her. I didn't know she bowled for one. Dina and Jerry put together a beautiful video tribute to her.
She is in good, loving hands now. |
SingingWolf
Menifee, CA (Zone 9a)
July 28, 2011 1:03 PM Post #8721256
| Thanks for the update weegy. You know I wanted to go to her funeral, but was unable to. I'd have been a soggy mess, and I know I'd have had company. I am so glad you were able to be there.
I do hope her family got to see her Memory page.
She is greatly missed.
Thanks also for being my memory when it comes to plants. I am getting better but that one is always going to be Donna's plant, any others I get like that won't be. They'll be Alstroemeria's.
Am off to be the Gardening Goddess, LOL! My Minions (summer kids) await. LOL!
WIB,
SW |
melody
Benton, KY (Zone 7a)
July 28, 2011 1:09 PM Post #8721271
| The Memory Page is visible to any family member who comes to DG. It isn't limited to subscribers. If any of the family has trouble accessing it, have them contact me and I'll help them. |
weegy12
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
July 28, 2011 2:25 PM Post #8721471
| Thank you Melody, I just let Donna's daughter know that she can see it.
Take care SW. |
Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA (Zone 10b)
July 28, 2011 3:17 PM Post #8721558
| I just discoveed the Memory Garden, and was so saddened to hear of Donna passing away. I met her at 3 gardening RU's and loved her from the moment I met her. I too have a plant from Donna, what a lovely giving person. Tears in my eyes, grief in my heart to have lost such a great gal. Prayers for her family. Gone from us but never will be forgotten. |
SoCal
Huntington Beach, CA (Zone 10a)
 July 30, 2011 8:11 AM Post #8725082
| This is Dina, donnas daughter. Thank you so much for the beautiful words here when talking about my mother. She Loved dave's garden and considered many of you friends. I spoke at her eulogy and included you all as a part of her never-ending love for friends and gardening. We had her memorial last Saturday, and then invited people back to her house to visit, sit and enjoy her garden. My father is doing a great job keeping it up, as you all know it is so much work. I am now following dave's on Facebook to keep a little of the things she loved in my life. I will come on here occasionally for a while.
Again, thank you, what beautiful gift and surprise to be able to read your kind words. Xoxo Dina. |
weegy12
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
July 30, 2011 8:25 AM Post #8725104
| Through you, we will always have a part of Donna, Dina...please post often for us and let us know how your mom's garden is doing...and you and your dad too.
This message was edited Jul 30, 2011 8:32 AM |
roadrunner
Hereford, AZ (Zone 8a)
July 30, 2011 10:40 AM Post #8725327
| Welcome, Dina...we all loved Donna so much...and I know she adored her family. she picked me up at the airport one time and took me by to meet her Dad...such a nice guy. Love & Hugs Jo |
Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA (Zone 10b)
July 30, 2011 11:39 AM Post #8725457
| You had to love Donna from the moment you met her, always smiling and making you feel special. SW the video was awesome and what a tribute to her. Wonderful memories for everyone. Thank you Dina, and hoping you post often. |
Horseshoe
Efland, NC (Zone 7a)
July 30, 2011 2:11 PM Post #8725704
| Howdy, Dina.
Glad you posted. Thanks for sharing w/us. Hope you post and check in as often as you like. Whenever you want a touch of your mom just come to DG and read some of her posts, view some pics, and shoot the breeze with her gazillion friends.
Best to you and your Dad!
Shoe |
eyesoftexas
Toadsuck, TX (Zone 7a)
August 28, 2011 4:32 PM Post #8781782
| Rest i His Garden now my sweet friend...I will miss you dearly.
"eyes" |
SingingWolf
Menifee, CA (Zone 9a)
December 22, 2011 11:51 AM Post #8939444
| Hi Dina,
Your Mom, was a very special Lady. As time goes on, I find myself doing things at Christmas time to remember those who are no longer with us. (We have a Tree Farm).
This year I made some round (Hula hoops wrapped with Christmas Lights) Ornaments to hang out by the road near the entrance to our tree farm, to remember your Mom by.
Why Circles instead of stars like I've made for others? Well, Donna was all about the gardening cycles or circles, so I have to take a photo now to share.
Donna may not be with us physically, but she is with us in spirit, and will always be a part of our hearts.
Dina, her DG friends will always be here for you, just like they were here for me when my Dad passed. Thanks for mentioning us at the Memorial. I would have needed more tissues.
Please do stay in touch, you help us remember all the good times with her. : - )
Holidays are hard to get through, so share the funny and loving stories about her with the younger generations, and keep her a part of the Holidays! : - )
Walk In Beauty~
SingingWolf
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weegy12
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
December 22, 2011 11:55 AM Post #8939449
| I wanted to share this with you. Dina put it up on Facebook. A very special tribute to a very special and wonderful lady. I sure miss her. She loved the holidays with her family and especially her grandson.
What a great thing to do for Donna SW.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Samigal
(Pegi) Norwalk, CA (Zone 10b)
December 23, 2011 10:41 AM Post #8940583
| A wonderful tribute for well loved gal. We will all miss her.
Pegi |
weegy12
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
December 23, 2011 10:45 AM Post #8940585
| Donna is the responsible one, along with drdon, who started the Southern California roundups...she will always be remembered at each and every one. Thank you Donna. |
KayJones
Panama City Beach, FL (Zone 8b)
January 2, 2012 9:00 AM Post #8951316
| Oh, NO! I just read this - I am so sorry - we will all miss her! |
hellnzn11
Rosamond, CA (Zone 8b)
May 15, 2012 7:37 AM Post #9124606
| Gosh I am late to the thread. She was one of my fave dg people. Sad for us and for her family too.
Glad I got to meet her several times in person. She was the real thing.
Dawn |
SingingWolf
Menifee, CA (Zone 9a)
May 16, 2012 12:35 AM Post #9125580
| Dina, the Alstroemeria's your Mom gave me are growing, and they are bringing sweet memories of Donna to mind. She truly was a great lady, and I feel privileged to have known her for the short time that I did. She'll always be remembered by her friends here at DG.
Walk In Beauty~
SingingWolf
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