Donna Svenson

Donna Lynn Svenson (1951-2026)

Donna Lynn Svenson was born in Medford, Oregon, to Raymond and Jeanette. She spent her childhood in Medford before her family relocated to Spokane, Washington. Donna attended North Central High School and graduated in 1970.

After completing her education, Donna began a lifelong career in the hospitality industry, working at some of Spokane’s most renowned restaurants and lounges. In the 1970s, she was a cocktail server at the Moulin Rouge nightclub. Her passion for service continued into the 1980s, when she bartended at both the Stockyards Inn and Gung Ho.

Donna found a lasting home at The Shack in 1991, where she remained until the establishment closed in 2003. Following this, she joined the Sportsman in 2004, becoming an integral part of the team and staying until her retirement at age 72.

Donna was committed to her work and took great pride in her role within the community. She had a gift for turning guests into friends and coworkers into family, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met. Donna had a love for all things Wizard of Oz and enjoyed a quick trip to Las Vegas. Her contagious laugh and generous spirit will be remembered by all who knew her.

Donna is survived by her daughter Stacey Dunn and husband Josh Dunn, her son Robert Lee and wife Leah Lee, stepsons Don Larson and Jorel Larson, and her brothers Dan, Eric, and Mark Galbraith, as well as Mark’s wife Tina Barcellos-Galbraith. She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Ray and Jean, her brother Glen, her ex-husband Kevin Svenson, and her lifelong partner Don Larson.