Donna Caddell

Donna R. Caddell of Temple, 59, passed away peacefully in her home with family by her side on Saturday, November 22, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Donna was born on November 13, 1955, in Cameron, Texas to parents Lowis Caddell and Leona Woolley Caddell. After a family move, Donna spent 58 years living and enjoying life in Temple.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Donald Caddell and Edwin Caddell. She is survived by brother Lewis Caddell of Caldwell four sisters, Frances McKenzie of Temple, Pat Lambert of Angleton, Bettye Kunze of Evant, and Shirley Broussard of Austin several nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

Donna graduated from Temple High School in 1974 and Mary Hardin Baylor College School of Nursing in 1978. She worked for almost 35 years as an RN, first at Scott White Hospital and the past 30 years at the Olin E. Teague VA hospital in Temple. Donna was generous and caring as a nurse and with others, no matter who they were.

She was the youngest in a family of eight children. Very early in life she became a lover of animals and later became an avid animal rights advocate. She often named her pets after famous people, including David Lee Roth, her cat that lived to 22 years of age. As Donnas health declined, she made sure to find loving homes for her dog, Hank, and cats, Noah, Deek, and Colin.

Donna loved to collect things and over the years acquired unique collections of Beatles and sports memorabilia, coins, 911 mementos, and most recently, decorative cardinals. She also loved backyard birdwatching and attending music concerts and sporting events with friends. She loved the San Francisco 49ers, Houston Astros and the Central Texas Stampede. Some of her favorite musicians were Paul McCartney, John Denver, Prince, Neil Diamond, and George Strait. Donna loved celebrating all holidays and was always the party planner at work and with her family.

The family wishes to thank Scott and White Hospice for the loving care Donna received in the past few months.

HarperTalasek Funeral Home in Temple is in charge of arrangements. At Donnas request, no services are planned. Memorials may be made in her honor to a local animal shelter or ASPCA chapter.