369: From Tragedy to Togetherness: Donna Kendrick's Story of Blended Family Success

369: From Tragedy to Togetherness: Donna Kendrick's Story of Blended Family Success

June 26, 2026 · 51 min

About this episode

Donna Kendrick shares her personal journey of loss and resilience in blending families after the tragic death of her first husband.

In this heartfelt episode of the Nacho Kids Podcast, Lori Sims welcomes guest Donna Kendrick, who shares her deeply personal story of loss, resilience, and blending families. Raised in Philadelphia, Donna Kendrick describes her journey from being married to a Philadelphia police officer, living abroad as a family, and navigating the aftermath of her husband's tragic taking of his own life after their return to the U.S. She candidly discusses how mental health struggles, grief, and trust issues shaped her decisions as a widow and a mother. Donna Kendrick goes on to recount meeting her current husband, a carpenter who had originally helped with renovations after her first husband's passing, and the slow, organic way their families and children came together. Through life's unexpected twists, including her husband's ex-wife's battle with cancer and the logistical and emotional challenges of moving and merging households, Donna Kendrick highlights the power of empathy, extended family support, and humor in navigating the ups and downs of blended family life. The episode touches on grief, motherhood, the importance of listening to your body, and the ongoing challenges and blessings of…

More episodes of The Nacho Kids Podcast: Blended Family Lifesaver

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Nacho Kids Podcast: Blended Family Lifesaver podcast page.