Donnel Christine (Wilson) Rodriguez

Donnel Christine (Wilson) Rodriguez went home to be with the Lord on October 27, 2024 after a short battle with aggressive ovarian cancer. 

Donnel was born on September 14, 1973 in Salem, OR to Mark and Joyce (Condit) Wilson, the third of four girls. She grew up in Salem and graduated from Cascade High School in 1991. Following high school, she worked at Denny’s as a waitress where she first met her husband, Marcos. She attended Chemeketa Community College for two years before going to Shasta Bible College in Redding, CA. After graduating with a teaching degree, she moved to Oahu, Hawaii and took a job teaching first grade at Hanalani Christian School. Donnel’s love for God and her students was evident, and the relationships she formed there have lasted to this day. After five years of teaching, she moved back home to be closer to family. Shortly thereafter she started her career at Salem Hospital. Donnel and Marcos became reacquainted at that time, started dating and eventually married in 2017. 

Donnel’s vibrant personality made her a natural leader and brought joy to everyone around her. Her enthusiasm shone through her friendly competitiveness and her talent for sparking thoughtful debates that kept everyone engaged and laughing. Known for her hospitality and love of food, Donnel hosted countless gatherings, whether cozy family dinners, joyful tea parties, or competitive game nights filled with laughter. She loved baking, sharing her favorite recipes and was happiest when surrounded by friends and family. 

Donnel’s deep faith and devotion to God was the cornerstone of her life, inspiring her to lead by example in her community and church. She dedicated herself to teaching Sunday School, leading AWANA groups, children’s church, and women’s ministries. She was always available to offer support and mentor others. Her kindness and unwavering belief in God’s love left a lasting impact on everyone she met. 

Donnel was a devoted daughter, sister, aunt, wife, and mother whose presence, humor and generosity will be deeply missed. Her memory remains a source of comfort, knowing she is home with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

She is preceded in death by her son Jose Contreras. She is survived by her husband Marcos, children Benedita, Marcos and Lerenzo, and granddaughters Mylene and Cataleya; her parents Mark and Joyce Wilson; sisters Rachel (John) Rowland, Alina Wilson and Melony (Shawn) Raines as well as many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.