Donna Rae Thaler passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 29th 2016 in Key Largo, Florida. Born June 29, 1935 in Okemah, Oklahoma, Donna left for the big city after graduating from the University of Oklahoma and becoming a Registered Nurse. In New York, Donna taught pediatric nursing at St. Vincent Hospital until she got "sand in her toes" and moved to Miami in 1962 and started her life-long career at Variety Children's Hospital, now Nicklaus Children's Hospital. During her 35 years as nurse, Director of Nursing and then Vice President of Nursing, Donna was a respected, innovative, and empowering leader who was passionate about nursing and the care of children. She was also a devoted mother and loving wife, loyal friend, avid fisherwoman and an excellent listener. Her impact was far and wide and she will be sorely missed. She is survived by her loving husband, Ray Thaler, her sister, Mickey Whitely, her children, Dana Brown, Doug Brown, Michael Thaler, Jeanie Koski and Sherry Thaler, and their spouses, along with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Elks Club in Key Largo at 2pm on Sunday, November 20th (92600 Overseas Hwy, Tavernier, FL 33070). In lieu of flowers, please donate to Miami Children's Hospital at mchf.org/donnathaler or call 305.666.2889

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Published by the Miami Herald on Nov. 6, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Donna Thaler

Sponsored by Patricia Eaton.

9 Entries

Lena Sheffield

April 7, 2017

Sweet, fair and so very competent. I have many fond memories of her guidance and support. Donna's legacy remains an inspiration for women in healthcare. Condolences to her extended family.

J. Michelle Nottage

November 18, 2016

A loving family member has left the room.
I know we will all see her again soon and will great her with open arms!
Will always Love Donna and her family very much even though we live in different countries. Donna understands what humanity to her brothers & sisters is all about.

Michelle (Nassau Bahamas)

Dianne Brown

November 17, 2016

I am a former sister-in-law. After she and my brother divorced, Donna and my family remained close. That's the wonderful kind of person she was. She knew we were on her side. She was wonderful when my parents were ill. She stood ready to help me when I was divorced. She has left a tremendous legacy in her children and grandchildren. I am thankful to have known this unique, loving and generous lady. We will miss her, always.

Kathi Hanchett

November 8, 2016

I never had the honor of meeting Donna, but certainly heard many, many stories about her. An amazing woman who brought joy everyone she knew. Sending my love to the family. She will be greatly missed!!!!

Cam husted

November 8, 2016

Aunt Donna, she really wasn't my Aunt, but insisted I call her that the moment we met. Love poured out of this amazing woman, and I felt the beautiful spirit that literally shined from within her. She not only made sure that our every need was taken care of, she made us feel we were part of her family. We shared a meal, laughed together and partied hardy! I will always cherish my brief time with her. Rest in Peace Aunt Donna you will be thought of often and missed deeply.

Kellye Sommer

November 7, 2016

To the best aunt ever. I have too many wonderful memories to ever be able to write them all down. When I was a kid in Oklahoma she and Dana would come for a visit and I thought she was so glamorous and Dana was always dressed up like a baby doll and so adorable. She was blonde and so was I so people thought I was her daughter and I was so proud of that.When they would leave to go back to Miami I would cry for days because I missed them so much.
She was such a role model at home and at work. She had a very fulfilling life and she fought her horrible disease to the end. She is loved and will be missed by many friends and family. Love you very much Aunt Donna.

Rona & Kim Brandell

November 7, 2016

Much love to you, Ray, and to your family. Donna was a beautiful spirit, who will guide you always.

Pat Dean

November 7, 2016

Best Boss ever! An inspiration to all who worked under her! She taught me how to be a nurse

Lynn Felson

November 6, 2016

Donna was "the reason" for me to join the nursing staff at Variety Children's Hospital in 1980. She inspired me for the duration of her time at VCH. Thank you Donna for welcoming me & countless others in what would also become our home. RIP

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