Donna Lee Aceves September 20, 1953 – June 27, 2013

Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. Monday, July 8, 2013 at Mission San Juan Bautista, 406 Second Street, San Juan Bautista, CA. A celebration of life will follow at noon at the Aromas Community Grange, corner of Bardue Street and Rose Avenue in Aromas, CA. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to either: the Watsonville Community Band, P.O. Box 1708, Watsonville, CA 95077; or Saint Joseph’s Family Center, 7950 Church Street, Suite A, Gilroy, CA 95020. Online condolences at www.habingfamilyfuneralhome.com
 On June 27, 2013, our beautiful wife, mother, sister, Noni and dear friend Donna Aceves passed on after her courageous struggle with cancer. Donna is remembered for her high voltage smile, big laughter and enthusiasm for jumping head first into life: She taught us all how to be “experiential hogs.” She generously shared with family, friends and others she encountered, her love of music, photography, travel, writing and leading a spiritual life. She wanted to be, and was, a healer. She became a skilled psychotherapist who helped many, many individuals and families.
 Donna was always amazed at the bounty of life. She was an avid gardener and used her harvest to engage in what she called “Cooking Jazz,” always trying new ways to share her gifts with loved ones. She took up flute playing at age 40, having never played an instrument, and became a valued member of the Watsonville Band and of the music ministry at Mission San Juan Bautista. Donna’s lifelong spiritual quest was met through her daily meditation practice, participation in the Universal Call to Contemplation Sangha, the Mission San Juan Bautista Church and her life of contemplation.
 Her ability to be fully present, to never shy away from even the most powerful or uncomfortable emotions, brought joy and comfort during her most difficult times. She touched so many of us by engulfing us in her fully accepting love and compassion. She truly had a “big tent” where all of us were welcomed, received, and embraced.
 Donna was a source of strength and sunshine to so many – her mother, sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews and her many dear friends.
 She will always be loved and cherished by her husband, Jim Aceves; sons Mike and Gabe Aceves; daughter, Melissa Herceg (Garry); grandsons Jack and Wyatt Herceg; and granddaughter Mia Aceves-Godinez.