Saturday, June 17, 2023
Donna was a good friend for over 50 years. Even though we lived across the country from each other not long after college, telephone calls and visits together kept our friendship a high priority through the years. She was a beautiful bridesmaid at my wedding and my husband Jerry became her new friend immediately. Donna was unique in offering her friendship and help when needed to all.
She was a huge inspiration for me while managing the ups and downs in her life. Donna was a loving mother to sons Aaron and AJ who were her greatest joy. She encouraged, supported, and could not contain how proud she was of the little boys as they grew and became the exceptional men they are today. Donna’s brother and sister, Greg and Georgeann, and their children were family members of huge importance and she always kept up with where they were and what they were doing.
It was an exciting day when Donna and Robert decided to share their lives together. They seemed a perfect fit as a couple from the beginning and were blessed to enjoy many years together. The family unit expanded but Donna had plenty of love for all. It was in her nature to make sure that everyone was happy, and she continued to share her love of life and enthusiasm with so many.
My early memories include weekends spent water skiing at the lake with Donna’s family including the mornings being awakened by her father, George, throwing water on our faces and saying, “time to get up!” We laughed when Donna arrived home late from a date and found an alarm clock sitting outside the front door, just a subtle hint that she was in trouble, again! Donna had the courage to be my first passenger after I obtained my pilot’s license. We had a wonderful flight though her parents were not happy after learning of our escapade. Oh, we did have fun together! So many thoughts of Donna that I will cherish remembering her as a loving friend, a confidant, and an exceptional woman who blessed my life and is a part of me forever.
Carolee Stewart - Eustis, FL
