On Feb. 3, 2022, Donna Pederson Major passed away, at the age of 89 of lung cancer. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her children. Donna was born July 29, 1932 in Camas, Washington. She was born to Fred and Edith DeVoe Pederson. She grew up in Washougal, Washington and at 8 years old, the family moved to Longview, Washington, and then to Aberdeen when she was in the 6th grade. Donna graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1951. Mom was always very involved with the Reunion Committee and in later years was part of a small group of classmates who held monthly luncheons.
She went to work for Grays Harbor Paper at 18, where she worked for 42 ½ years. She retired early, at the age of 61, due to the mill closing. She was very active in the union throughout her work years. She married Ralph Major in 1953 in Aberdeen. They later divorced but remained good friends.
Mom participated in a bowling league for years and shared her love of bowling with her granddaughters Janna, Andrea, and Ricki when they were young. For many years she was part of the “TOPS” group where she met a lot of people who became very good friends.
Mom loved gardening and her flowers, lilacs, dahlias and roses, being her favorites. She loved crafts of all kinds. She spent a lot of happy hours with a great group of women doing ceramics and card making. Mom loved to crochet and made many afghans for her family. One of our favorites as well as everyone else’s favorites were her crocheted dishcloths. She literally made thousands of them and would donate them to fundraisers.
Mom loved going to the casinos with friends and family. She also had a great love of watching sports on TV, especially football and basketball. Occasionally, she would go to the Ace of Clubs Tavern with Mike and Diane, where she was known as “Grandma D.” Everyone there was always very warm and welcoming to her. Mom never met a stranger with judgment. She was accepting of people for who they were. She never hesitated to help someone in need, putting them before herself.
Mom has always had a special place in her heart for her dogs. Abby, Maggie and Sophie were all shelter dogs and gave her so much love and comfort as she did for them.
Donna is survived by her sons Brent Major of Westport and Brian (Kathy) Major of Shelton; her daughters Rene Caldwell of Westport, Diane (Mike) Giron of Aberdeen, Roby Bold (George) of Aberdeen and Terry Hopsecger of Aberdeen; eight grandchildren: Kristin Aiken, Alex (Paige) Major, Janna (Adam) Kemp, Andrea (Kevin) House, Ricki (Mark) Schlott, Kevin Major, Taylor Giron, and Alexa Giron; 11 great-grandchildren: Ryann Keller; Connor, Ava, and Carleigh Kemp; Kinley and Brooklynn Major; Parker, Noah, and Liam Schlott; Quinn and Piper House; cousins who were like sisters, Bonnie and Judy; lifelong friend, Florence Smith; her friend Connie who called her every night and her beloved puppy, Sophie.
She was preceded in death by her mom, dad and sister Jo Ann Giles.
A special thank you to the hospital, Dr. Laura Hallak, Dr. Troeh and the nursing staff at Harbor Regional Health. Mom received great care from Harbors Home Health and Hospice. We’d also like to thank all the grocery clerks at Hoquiam Swansons who were so helpful and kind to our mom. They really went the extra mile.
There will be a service on Feb. 14, at 1 p.m. with viewing before, at noon. Donations can be made to PAWS of Grays Harbor in her memory.
To share memories or to leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com. Arrangements entrusted to Harrison Family Mortuary.
