Obituary of Donna Maureen Ludford

Donna Ludford, age 58, passed away at Serenity House in Santa Barbara, California on March 6, 2013, surrounded by loving family. Donna ended her long struggle with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA) with strength, peace of mind and quiet resolve. Donna was born on November 12, 1954, in Darby, Pennsylvania. She moved with her family to Santa Barbara California in 1970 and has resided in Santa Barbara for most of her life, except for a few years in which she and her husband lived in the Virgin Islands. Donna retired from Raytheon (formerly Santa Barbara Research Center/Santa Barbara Remote Sensing) after 27 years of dedicated service. She was an administrative assistant early in her career and later worked in Business Management supporting numerous space programs. She was a valued employee who was respected by everyone and a friend to all. Her professionalism and tireless work ethic was extraordinary. Donna and her husband, Carey were married 30 years. They have two beautiful children Jennifer and Jaclynn. They raised their family in Santa Barbara amongst family and friends. Her pride and joy was the relationship with her children. Donna is survived by her husband, Carey Ludford; daughters, Jennifer and Jaclynn of Santa Barbara, sister and brother in law Denise & Steve Kilpatrick of Seattle WA, her brother and sister in law Dan & Sheila Villa of Columbus, OH and her niece and nephew Sarah Tolan-Kilpatrick & David Kilpatrick-White. We will remember Donna as a loving mother, caring wife, wonderful sister, dearest of all friends, and an amazing woman! A Celebration of Donna’s Life will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at McDermott-Crockett Mortuary, 2020 Chapala Street, SB, CA 93105. Please dress in the spirit of Donna, informally. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Serenity House, 930 Miramonte Drive, SB, CA 93109.