Sad News

[des1954]

I just found out that Donna Howard (the lady on site 301) passed away on Christmas day. She had been battling cancer for 4 years. While in Florida, she was receiving treatments by way of transfusions at Celebration Hospital. When she went in earlier this month, the Dr's at Celebration advised her to go back to her cancer treatment center up north; that the transfusions would no longer help her. She was a very gracious and fun-loving person who will be sorely missed by those that knew her. I know her Christmas decorations will be missed. I'm glad that the Travel Channel interviewed her & her husband for the WDW Christmas show before it was too late.

Debbie

 

[AuburnJen92]

We tried to go and see them, but no one was there this past weekend. How terribly sad. May she rest in peace with no more pain and suffering.

Is there an address that we can send a card? I know we didn't get to meet them, but I would hope they would like to get a card from someone who appreciated the work they did each year.

 

[loveDmouse]

How sad. I am so sorry to hear that. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
They had such an awesome display of lights. It was nice to see the Fort on the new Travel Channel show and I bet it was exciting for them to be on it.

 

[Sammie]

Was this the lady with her husband that Samantha Brown interviewed?

 

[djblu883]

I had the good fortune to camp across from the Howards 2 years ago and never knew she had cancer. She was such a cute lady with all her Disney attire and sweet smile. Mr. Howard helped me jump off my truck when we forgot and left our lights on over night the night we arrived...Such great neighbors and fun people. They loved it so much....hopefully Mr. Howard won't stop coming down...she would want him to carry on the tradition ...time will tell...I'd love to send a card if anyone can get an address...My prayers go out to he and all their family!!! ...Janet

 

[stacktester]

Our deepest symathy to her family. The first time we ever went to the fort was Thanksgiving and they had their decorations up. I'll never forget being so amazed with all the stuff they did. I do hope Mr. Howard will be able to come still.

 

[mickeymouse1017]

We are so saddened by this news. She was such a great lady and will be sorely missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

 

[DznyRulz]

Was this the lady with her husband that Samantha Brown interviewed?

Yes, they were the second couple.

 

[clkelley]

This is the link to her obituary. I think it has some donation information in it.

http://www.legacy.com/telegram/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=100228132

 

[ntsammy5]

Yes, it is sad news

 

[PolynesianPixie]

We enjoyed seeing their site everytime we went by it! Our kids got so excited and yelled,"thats the one" everytime!

As a cancer survivor myself, I can appreciate her fight. I am so glad she was able to spend her last days in a place she loved and which brought her joy. I believe we control much of our destiny, to go to heaven on Christmas day is a message to all that her life is to be celebrated, not mourned. I would have loved to have met her!

, Ami

 

[ntsammy5]

As a cancer survivor myself, I can appreciate her fight.

 

[TiggerinBama]

Is there an address that we can send a card?

If you are at the fort currently you can place a card in the mailbox at the site. Some friends of the family are staying at the site. Jay is suppose to be back to the fort next week. Services will be this Saturday in Boston. They ask that in lieu of flowers that a donation in her memory (Donna Howard) be made to the Susan G Komen foundation at cms.komen.org/komen

I talked to the front desk at the fort and they said that if you send your cards to them they will make sure that Mr Howard gets them. This address can also be placed on the donation page as the recipient. Here is the address:

4510 North Fort Wilderness Trail
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Attn: Mr Howard, Site 301

 

[Belle1962]

Do you think anyone has emailed Samnatha Brown c/o of the travel channel?

 

[ILoveDisney&Cruising]

Thanks for letting us know! That is such sad news. Our condolences to the Howard family as they endure this loss. We will be praying for you.

We stayed on the 300 loop earlier this month. For many years we have enjoyed driving by their campsite! I think I will have my boys send a card to Mr. Howard at the fort and let him know how much joy they brought to others.

 

[bradisgoofy]

How sad. May God Bless her and her family.

Here is the link to the guest book

http://obit.mulhane.com/obit-489023

Today, the 29th, is the funeral so I don't know how much longer it will be available.

We stayed in the 500 loop last April so every time we left the loop we were looking at the 301 site, at the time they had Easter decorations. We walked over one afternoon but no one was about.

 

[AuburnJen92]

The guest book is still there. I just came back from that site.

 

[CCIntrigue]

If anyone missed the Travel Channel episode -- go to YouTube, search for Disney Samantha Brown. The fort is in part III.

 

[ynottony99]

I signed the guest book yesterday. I noticed several others too from FW had done so. Now none of those are in that guest book. May want to send a card by mail to make sure the family recieves.

 

[ConcKahuna]

Yes, they were the second couple.

If anyone missed the Travel Channel episode -- go to YouTube, search for Disney Samantha Brown. The fort is in part III.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YM7kvK3FR2w

Here's the link. She was a wonderful woman and she will be missed.