Date of Birth

April 24, 1942

Date of Death

October 31, 2025

City of Death

Santa Barbara, CA

Donna Lenore Matthews, 83, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of strength, generosity, and profound service to her community. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Donna built a life defined by hard work, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the people she served.

Donna spent more than 50 years working in accounting and tax, serving individuals and families from all walks of life. She practiced for many years in Anchorage, Alaska, before making her home and continuing her work in Santa Barbara, California. Donna was treasured by her clients—each person she helped felt truly cared for, and the news of her passing has left many deeply saddened. Her commitment to honesty, fairness, and advocacy made her a pillar of trust in the community.

Outside of work, Donna found joy in the simple but meaningful things in life. She loved camping, fishing for halibut, dancing, and working on puzzles. She was known for her brilliant mind, tenacity, and remarkable ability to solve any problem put in front of her. Donna was endlessly generous and lived with a level of compassion that touched everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Donna is survived by her daughter Charli Taylor; her grandchildren Ken Helling, Shanna Benskin, Crystal Taylor, and Cody Conner; and her six great-grandchildren. She will be forever cherished and remembered for the love, wisdom, and resilience she carried throughout her life.

Her accounting practice, built over decades with integrity and care, will continue on through her granddaughter Shanna Benskin, ensuring Donna’s legacy of service and dedication lives on for the clients and community she loved so deeply.

A celebration of Donna’s life will be held at Elings Park in Santa Barbara, California, on December 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend.

Donna’s presence will be forever missed, and her memory will remain a guiding light to all whose lives she touched.