Dona L. Boyden

BOYDEN, DONA LAWHEAD, 91, was the epitome of elegance and grace - always a lady. Yet, on the tennis court, golf course or ski hill she was a real competitor. Raised in Denver, Colo. and resident of Albuquerque since 1955, Dona passed away peacefully on Sept. 5, 2012. She was preceded in death by her husband George M. Boyden, sister Dorothy Templeton, grandson George S. Boyden, Jr, and daughter- in- law Lila M. Boyden. She is survived by her son George S. Boyden and his wife Virginia (Tooey); daughters Barbara Walters of Plano, TX and Ann Smith and her husband Rex of Commerce, MI; and son Thomas Boyden. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother to all of her family, including nine grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren who always brought a smile to her face. She met her lifelong partner George on a mistaken blind date at Colorado College, married after her graduation on May 29, 1943, and had many wonderful and adventurous years together. Dona was a devoted sister of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, member of the Tuesday Literary Club, enjoyed playing bridge and the arts, was an active volunteer, but most of all Dona was a lovely and kind lady, a friend to all she met. Dona was quite the athlete, mostly known for her tennis, but was a long time skier and avid golfer with two holes in one, the second when she was 78! She and George were founding members of the Tennis Club of Albuquerque and Dona was inducted into the United States Tennis Association Southwest Region Hall of Fame in 2000. A memorial service to celebrate Dona''s long and incredible life with family and friends will be held on Sept. 22, 2012, at 10:00am at St. Stephen''s United Methodist Church 4601 Juan Tabo Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, followed by a celebration at the Tennis Club of Albuquerque at 2901 Indian School Road NE. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate your donation to youth tennis at the USTA Serves Foundation (http://02e2784.netsolstores.com/donate.aspx). To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral Services
7601 Wyoming Blvd NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505-821-0010