Donna Maxine Alex, a South Dakota transplant, rose above her difficult childhood to become a bit of a Southern California renaissance woman relative to her times. Born in Langford, South Dakota to an unwed teenage mother, Donna was raised by her aunt and uncle - Rosie & Phi Morris on a large farm where she was loved, nurtured and encouraged to achieve excellence in everything she pursued. In eighth grade, her life was literally turned upside down when a tornado struck and destroyed her aunt and uncle's farm, taking with it the house, barn and nearly all of her personal possessions. The family moved to nearby Britton, rented out the farm, and continued on with life. But even with these setbacks, Donna graduated, on time, as valedictorian and president of her 1953 high school class. With a passion for medical technology, she earned an Associate Degree in X-ray technology from the University of Minnesota.

Shortly after graduation, she decided to move to Los Angeles. By 1957, she had settled in the San Fernando Valley and met her first husband - Chase Morrison. Then in quick succession she had a son and moved to Woodland Hills, while continuing to manage a neurology medical practice in Encino and maintain a household. Unfortunately, the marriage didn't last. In order to stay closer to home and care for her young son, she decided to start her own business. Using her medical knowledge, she launched a transcribing business that grew to include accounts at many hospitals in the west San Fernando Valley. Eventually, she had four employees and was doing well enough to purchase a Porsche in 1973. Not many single mothers were running their own successful businesses during the 1960s and 1970s, but she put it together working from home.

In 1974, she met her soul mate and eventually married Jim Alex. Over the next 30 plus years, she was the Yin to Jim's Yang in life and numerous ventures, including group homes, hospitals for the developmentally disabled, movie and television projects, and numerous other businesses. Later she also converted to Jim's faith - Greek Orthodox and joined Saint Sophia church where she sang in the choir. Through it all, Donna was able to focus on family and home, cooking memorable Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners that we'll always remember.

This past December 27th, after an unexpected rapid deterioration in her health, Donna passed quietly with family by her side. She is survived by her son and daughter in law - Chase & Heather Morrison, along with triplet grandsons, as well as her extended step family - Mary & David Fair, John Alex, Elizabeth Alex, Christie Alex, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. She was a loving and inspiring mother and grandmother, whose memory will be cherished by many.

Donna's funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, January 8, 2016 at Saint Sophia Cathedral, 1324 S. Normandie Avenue, Los Angeles, California. Friends may meet with the family from 9:30 am until the time of the service. The service will be followed by lunch at Papa Christos Greek Restaurant, directly across the street from the church. After lunch, there will be a procession out to Oakwood Memorial Park in Chatsworth, 22601 Lassen Street, Chatsworth, California, followed by a gathering at the Morrison home at 19222 Beckford Place in Northridge, California.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapman Funeral Homes - Terry & Mary Harmon, Funeral Directors. Toll free (855) 628-0447.

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Obituary notice for Chapman Funeral Homes. Please visit www.chapmanfuneraldirectors.com .

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