Donna Davidson

Donna Jean Davidson, age 79, passed away on Tuesday, April 15th, 2025 at Good Samaritan Hospital of San Jose, CA surrounded by her loving family. Donna was born on March 23rd, 1946 in St Mary’s Hospital of Madison, WI to Norma (Richards) and Lucius Davidson Jr. Donna was raised on the 2nd generation dairy farm in the Sun Prairie Wisconsin area. Donna’s first eight grades of education came from attending the Maple Grove School, which was a 1-room schoolhouse. She later graduated from Union Free High School in Deforest, Wisconsin. Often sharing with her children how she played the piano & organ for the family church. Like most adolescents, Donna’s early years found her trying to figure out what she wanted to do in life. It seemed wherever Donna parked herself, her feet weren’t content standing still, moving several times after high school before she found herself in San Francisco. Donna tagged along and got a ride with a friend from church who had just been married, and her friend’s husband was stationed in San Francisco at Treasure Island Naval Base. She quickly found her place and made many friends there. Finally settling down seemed the natural thing to do. It wasn’t long before her family grew into two. With the birth of her daughter, Michelle, her life took a more serious role. Five years later she found her facing the duties of motherhood expanding with the birth of her son, Michael. Motherhood may have seemed like a struggle for her, but she managed to do all she could to make things happen and regardless of where they lived at, there was definitely love. She found herself working in several capacities… such as at The National Automobile Club for several years, taking calls to help direct stranded travelers & others who needed services that the company could assist with. It was in this capacity that she found her soulmate, Ralph Baldaino. Then, as America was slipping into the computer age, Donna worked digitizing data for Bank of America. Later, she worked in different capacities at a law firm for 15 years. In 2002 and again in 2005 Donna battled and beat breast cancer twice. She has always been a fighter and pushed through with the love & support of her kids & husband Ralph. Ralph & Donna spent a lot of special moments together. None better than the day that Donna said “yes” to Ralph’s proposal. They made many great memories together before Ralph lost his battle with COPD in 2015. Donna was blessed & survived by her two children: Michelle Pledger – San Jose, CA; Michael (Stephanie) Davidson – Brentwood, CA, along with nine grandchildren & one great-grandchild. Siblings: Keith Davidson (Sandra) -Forest Lake, MN; Jerry Davidson – Madison, WI; Steven (Sandy) Davidson – Lodi, WI; Eugene (Karen) Davidson –Waunakee, WI; and Dennis Davidson (Kim), Waunakee, WI., along with many nieces, nephews & cousins. Donna was preceded in death by her parents & Ralph Baldaino Donna was a woman who touched many lives through her love for life, family & friendships. But, the brightest moments in her life were being surrounded by her children, grandchildren & her passion for Alan Jackson music. Each of us will dearly miss the birthday, anniversary & holiday cards that she would send to every family member & friend. A small private family gathering will take place at one of Donna’s favorite places… Under the Golden Gate Bridge. We knew this day would come When God would call you home Our hearts were not ready But your body was too worn The loss our hearts will forever morn The day that God called you home