Donna Lee (King) Sanborn

75, of North Kingstown, RI, joined her father’s loving arms, on February 5, 2023. She was surrounded by her loving family and in her home, after a very sudden diagnosis with a rare and aggressive cancer. Donna leaves behind her husband of 53 wonderful years (and 56 years living together), Henry “Sandy” Sanborn, and their three children, Dawn E. Alves of North Kingstown, Terri L. Beauchamp, and Gary (Rosemary) Sanborn, both of West Warwick. Born and Raised in East Greenwich RI, she is predeceased by her parents Wellington H. King and Minnie E. (Gustafson) King. She is survived by her loving sister, Virginia (James) Kennedy, and her sister Barbara (Joseph) Curt, both of Warwick. Donna was the beloved Grammie to Amanda (Andrew) Kowalski, of West Warwick, Stephanie (Jeremy) Durkee, of Vermont, TJ Geuss, of Alabama, Courtney(Joshua)Philbrick, of Charlestown, Chelsey Alves, of North Kingstown, and Ori Sanborn of West Warwick. She was the great Grammie to, Madison and Ava Kowalski, Kody and Jett Philbrick, Eleanor and Brooklyn Durkee. Donna also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, her niece, Robin (Jerry) Vallier, was very close to her heart. Donna worked as a phone operator for Colibri, for many years, before becoming a caretaker for many. She worked as a daycare worker for her neighbors, and there, in her neighborhood, found more extended family that she loved completely, and they loved her back. Donna was the type of woman who was always organizing neighborhood block parties, driving the kids to the bus stop and back, and said hello to every single neighbor who drove by her home. She had dog bones she carried in her pockets and bowls of water outside for the dogs who needed a little refreshment. She was “everyones grandma” and everyone she met felt welcomed and loved by her. She had a softness and a kindness to her that is known by every person that was blessed to have her in their lives. Donna was an avid crafter, passionate about all things yarn! She crocheted and knitted socks, washcloths, doll clothes, hats, scarves, blankets, and everything in between. She never sold anything, always instead giving them as gifts. She was a talented woman and made many craft projects over the years, from cakes to gingerbread houses, to Indian headdress pendants out of safety pins and candy cane and Christmas decorations. She was always a giver, and preferred it to be that way. She spent her whole life taking care of everyone because that is what she loved doing more than anything. She loved anything with angels, rainbows, hummingbirds, Dark chocolate (any kind of chocolate really, and always carried it in her purse to share) and her pen collection. She also had a love of all things food! One of her favorite things to do was eat, another was to cook. She loved salmon, brussell sprouts and asparagus. Donna was also a breast cancer survivor, beating all the odds, and defying medical explanation through her belief in prayer and holistic healing. Donna will be missed greatly by those who loved her, including her friends and neighbors, many of which have lived in the neighborhood for as long as she had, over 40 years. Donna loved animals, music, and nature, always taking time to explain to little ones who were afraid of bugs that “we were in their house”, when we’re outside. Donna loved New Hampshire where Sandy was from, and found her second home there with his family. She was a member of the Union Congregational Church of Bartlett, where she had been baptized and found incredible pride in that. Donna was a woman of faith, and had a strong relationship with God. There will be a Celebration of Life in the spring to honor Donna, which will be announced at a later date. To those who wish to help with any expenses incurred with Donna’s absence, there is a go fund me account for Sandy to help him in the days ahead. Donations can be made in her honor to: https://gofund.me/f8ad3f71