We mourn the loss of Donna Reed’s life-long pen pal

Violet Lindsay, Donna Reed's life-long pen pal

Violet Coughenour "Vi" Lindsay

1921 - 2020

It is with deep sadness that we announce that Violet "Vi" Coughenour Lindsay, 99, passed away August 11, 2020, in her home in Matthews, NC.

As a teenager, Vi began a life-long pen pal relationship with a girl living in Iowa who later became known as the actress Donna Reed. Their correspondence spanned 48 years and Donna’s rise to movie and television stardom. But the two never met.

In 2003, after becoming aware of The Donna Reed Foundation, Vi donated the 82 letters of her collection to the organization. Her letters from Donna can now be viewed at the Donna Reed Heritage Museum in Denison, Iowa.