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Donna Deitz Obituary
She was born Sept. 15, 1951, in Charlotte, daughter of Clyde Jackson and Betty Higgins Deitz.
Donna was a 1969 graduate of Belmont High School and a 1973 graduate of Mary Baldwin College. She began her working life with the Girl Scouts of America as a field director. She then became an instructor at the Newfound Harbor Marine Institute on Big Pine Key, FL, also known as Seacamp. She was a high school biology teacher and was a former director of the Okeeheelee Nature Center in West Palm Beach. She was a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in West Palm Beach and an active participant at First United Methodist Church in Belmont where she was involved in numerous lay ministries upon her return to Belmont more than five years ago to take care of her parents. Donna was a nature conservationist, took an active interest in community betterment, , swam competitively and was a loving, dedicated daughter and sister. She is and will be greatly missed.
In addition to her parents of Belmont, Donna is survived by her sister, Ellen Deitz Tucker and husband David of Monterey, CA; brother, Daniel Clyde Deitz and wife Teri of Fletcher, NC; nephew, Nathan Tucker of Portland, OR; niece, Sarah Tucker of Seattle, WA; numerous cousins and other extended family.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont.
A service to celebrate Donna's life will be held 3 p.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church of Belmont with the Rev. Chuck Baker officiating.
A committal service will be held privately for the family at Greenwood Cemetery, Belmont.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to National Audubon Society, 225 Varick St., 7th Floor, New York, NY 10014, www.audubon.com, United Methodist Committee on Relief, Water Purification, PO Box 9068, New York, NY 10087, or Nature Conservancy, 227 W. Trade St., Charlotte, NC 28202, www.nature.org.
Condolence messages may be sent online at www.McLeanFuneral.com.
McLean Funeral Directors of Belmont is serving the family of Ms. Deitz.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donna Deitz
m welch
April 4, 2012
Please find comfort in these words,"With that I heard a loud voice from the throne say: “Look! The tent of God is with mankind, and he will reside with them, and they will be his peoples. And God himself will be with them. And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.”
caroll kilgore
March 27, 2012
So sorry for your loss. Will keep family in my prayers in the comming days.
March 27, 2012
My condolences are with theDeitz family. I hope you will find comfort from the God of comfort. 2 Cor. 2: 1-4
T. Hay Concord
Maartje Rondeboom
March 25, 2012
What sad news. My hopes of meeting Donna again dashed. For years I have been trying to reconnect with Donna, as I remember her fondly from my summer with the Girl Scouts in 1977. I met Ellen there too. In our spare time Donna took me places in her convertible, which I loved. She let me stay in her home and spoke lovingly about her relatives and her mother's cooking skills. Subsequently I was invited by her hospitable parents to visit them in Charlotte, NC, which I did with Beatrice, an art designer from Barcelona, Spain. Donna's dad organised a guided tour for us around his factory, which I have never forgotten. Whenever I buy socks, I think of that experience.
My sincere condolences to the Deitz family. I will always remember Donna's
beautiful smile. May she rest in peace. Maartje Rondeboom (the Dutch girl)
D W
March 22, 2012
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of the Deitz family. Durning this difficult time may the love of family and friends strengthen you and the fond memories you shared together. May the God of All Comfort bring comfort to your family. 2 Cor 1:4
March 14, 2012
To the family, May your hearts be fileld with wonderful memories of joyful times spent together with Donna and her friends, as you celebrat a life well loved. Psalms 46:1
March 10, 2012
My condolences to the Deitz family at this time of grief. This is a time to really trust in God and draw close to him.(James 4:4)He will comfort all the mourning ones.
Clara Maxcy
March 10, 2012
We never know why someone we love is taken from us, but I do know that God mourns with us. Donna was a wonderful woman and teacher. The world is less without her, heaven has gained an awesome spirit!
March 6, 2012
My sincere heartfelt sympathy to the Deitz family for your dear love one who fell asleep in death. May the God of all comfort be with you and give you strength beyond normal to get through this difficult time.
March 5, 2012
To the Dietz family-
I was deeply saddened to learn about this tragic accident. I have very fond memories of our various Girl Scout adventures. I am heartened that Donna was in the company of a longtime friend on this journey. My husband, Scott Camp, and I send you our thoughts and prayers during this time.
Patsy Brison, Asheville, N.C.
Bonnie Weaver
March 5, 2012
What a tragedy. I knew Donna since our days together a Mary Baldwin and then reconnected at Holy Trinity Church. My daughter Kate had "Mrs. Mumby" as her teacher at Cardinal Newman. Although I hadn't seen her since she left WPB, she has been in my thoughts and will continue to be. I pray for her family and friends.
Bonnie Brackett Weaver
March 5, 2012
To The Deitz Family,
Our prayers go out to you at this time.
We at Cardinal Newman High School in West Palm Beach remember the young, energetic teacher who stayed till 5 at night setting up her labs to make sure her students always received a 100%. She was always the one with a smile and soft voice to guide the young students in her care.
Theresa Fretterd
Assistant Principal
Cardinal Newman High School
Sheila and Julian Davies
March 4, 2012
We knew Donna from many years at Holy Trinity in WPB. And had a great visit to Belmont in May 2008. According to her, Belmont was the greatest place to live in the US. We were inclined to agree.
She radiated enthusiasm and love of life. We pray for God's comfort to her family and all those of us who already miss her.
J G
March 4, 2012
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Donna Deitz. May the God of all comfort give you the peace of mind that only he can give as you fondly remember your dear loved one.
Dr. Jim & Barbara Lea
March 3, 2012
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Deitz, Ellen and Dan,
We are so very sorry. Donna was such a kind soul. I know her smile will continue to live within us all.
A Mother
March 3, 2012
You have my sincere condolences.
"God is near to those that are broken at heart; And those who are crushed in spirit he saves" "He is healing the brokenhearted ones, And is binding up their painful spots"
Haywood and Linda Curry
March 2, 2012
Mr. and Mrs. Deitz, Ellen and Dan,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you mourn the loss of your much loved daughter and sister. Your family has meant so much to the Curry family over the years and our hearts go out to you. Know that surely Mary Margaret was there to greet Donna and give her a hug as she did many times when Donna was growing up.
With Love, Haywood and Linda Curry
Brian Patrick Clarke
March 2, 2012
Though it was many years ago that I left Belmont, I have always retained a strong sense of "connectedness" to the town and the people. Remembering Donna so fondly, I am incredibly saddened to learn not only of her death, but of the terrible way that she died. My heart goes out to Donna's entire family, as well as her friends ... whose considerable numbers are evidenced here.
Missy McArdle-Rovinelli
March 1, 2012
I am very saddened to learn of the sudden death of sweet Donna. She is fondly remembered by everyone at Holy Trinity Church in West Palm Beach as a loving and compassionate individual with a killer smile and laugh. She was taken too soon, but went to the Lord she loved with ashes on her forehead secure in the knowledge that she was loved both in heaven and on earth. "May the souls of the righteous rest in peace."
Roger Hawkins East Gaston Swim Team
March 1, 2012
Our team shared the YMCA pool with Donna on many occasions the past few years. She was always full of compliments for our swimmers and was quick to tell us coaches what a great thing that we were doing by teaching someone to swim. She was full of laughter and smiles! We will miss her very much,and send our deepest sympathy to her family.
February 29, 2012
I am sorry to hear of your loss
DORIS BRYSON-MCCLAIN
February 29, 2012
I AM SO SORRY....JUST TALKED TO AUNT ELBA WHO HAD JUST TALKED TO DONNA. SINCERELY, DORIS BRYSON MCCLAIN...LESSIE ALLISON BRYSON'S DAUGHTER..FLEMING ISLAND, FL
Ann Henkle Kitts
February 29, 2012
Donna was the definition of good and kind. She was the most genuine person I have ever known. This is a heartbreaking loss to all who knew her and to those who now will not have the chance. My heart goes out to the Deitz family.
Jane Mabry
February 29, 2012
Donna was one of the finest girls that I had the honor of knowing in high school. She was the editor of our yearbook. I haven't seen her in about forty plus years. She certainly did amazing things with her life. God bless all of her family. Jane Mabry, Edenton, NC
February 29, 2012
Very sad to read about Donna this morning in the Palm Beach Post. I worked with Donna at the Okeeheelee Nature Center. Just the nicest person you ever want to meet, my deepest sympathy to her family . Craig Murphy
Director of Park Operations, Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation.
Deirdre Dougherty Grogan
February 29, 2012
I went to Mary Baldwin College with Donna and remember her fondly and always as a shining star: an innovative leader; a woman of wit, intelligence and morals; and - most importantly - a kind and generous friend without reservation. She personified inner and outer grace and beauty!
God has his reasons; may this senseless tragedy bring about changes for the good, changes with which Donna, always a contributor to her community, would be pleased. In the meantime, my prayers and heartfelt sympathy to the Dietz family. Know that I am mourning with you.
Scottie Broome
February 28, 2012
I got to know Donna through United Methodist
women at FUMC. Belmont and found her to be
a loving and caring person. The life she lived though not long in Belmont
is and will be a testament to her Christianity and devotion to her parents and community.
Nancy Mitchem
February 28, 2012
I graduated with Donna. She always had a beautiful smile and was very kind.I am praying for the family for God's grace to be sufficient.
Nancy Gibson Mitchem
Dabney Coors
February 27, 2012
To Donna's Family and Friends,
I learned today in an email from Mary Baldwin that Donna is gone. In my one and only year (1969-70) at Mary Baldwin, I came to know Donna well enough to have a flood of memories of her come rushing back today. Oh, what a sparkling personality! How witty and funny! Her turn of phrase made everyone laugh, and behind that laughter was such kindness. We became fast friends. To all of you who have had the joy of being with her throughout the last 40 years, especially her family, I send my deepest sympathy.
Much love,
Dabney Coors
Barbara Phillips Truta
February 27, 2012
I was a college classmate of Donna's but did not know her that well. I caught up with her again at our 35th reunion and was struck by what a wonderful person she was. I was looking forward to seeing her at our next reunion. I am so saddened to hear of her death and especially the way it happened. My sympathy to her family.
MILLIE
February 27, 2012
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Faye Simonds
February 26, 2012
Donna was a special LADY,the laugh, kindness, joy.Our heart and prayers go out to the family.
Frances Craig Sitton
February 26, 2012
I remember Donna from our year in first grade at the First Presbyterian Church School in Belmont. She was such fun then and each time we reconnected over the years. What a loss to all that knew and loved her! With love, "Frannie" named "animal crackers" by Donna in 1956.
Brian Wyant
February 26, 2012
I only knew Donna for just a few months and from the first time I met her I knew she was an earthly Angel. Today, she is one of our Heavenly Angels, so sorry, my deepest sympathies to the Dietz family
Gardner Roller Ligo
February 26, 2012
Donna was a woman of deep intelligence and an even deeper heart. We were college classmates and her gentle nature, coupled with her steely passion to do good and to care for others, inspired and enriched all our lives. I cannot imagine the depth of her family's grief.
February 26, 2012
Every time I saw Donna with her mother at the farmers market in Charlotte, she always had a smile on her face and was so caring for her mother and father. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this sad time. All our love, Ken and Laura Mullis(Matthews, NC)
February 26, 2012
I went to college with Donna, and she was -quite simply - a good soul. To know her was to love and admire her. This world has lost some of its beauty.
sandy bates
February 26, 2012
My heart is broken over this tragedy. Donna will always have a special place in my heart. May God give comfort to the Deitz family.
Elena Delgado
February 25, 2012
Donna was a cherished friend during our college years at Mary Baldwin (Staunton, VA). She was a woman of integrity, wit, compassion and joy. She will be greatly missed by so many. I send my deepest sympathies to the family.
Diana Moore
February 25, 2012
Donna and I were classmates at Mary Baldwin College. Although I have not seen her since 1973, I always remembered her as a delightful and cheerful person with a huge smile on her face at every meeting. I am sure she will be missed by many whose lives she touched and had the good fortune of knowing her.
February 25, 2012
My parents knew Donna's parents, Clyde and Betty,when they(Troy and Lillian Bridges) worked at Belmont Hosiery. Although my parents are no longer living, I know they would want me to send heartfelt condolences. Sincerely, Shirley Bridges
Mike Casagrande
February 25, 2012
I saw Donna every Saturday morning when she picked up salmon for her parents. She always had a positive outlook and kind words and a great laugh to make me feel happy I saw her every week. I looked forward to our chat every week and I will miss her alot. My thoughts go out to her family during this tragic time.
Mimi Sanderlin (Rhyne)
February 25, 2012
My forever friend, my sister in all the important ways- just born to different families. I wanted much happiness for Donna and today, I believe it is richly given. But my heart is having a hard time wanting her here.
February 25, 2012
I only knew Donna for six months but she became a close friend. She had a great big smile, a wonderful laugh, and a caring spirit that was unmatched. I am still numb. God has a ready made Angel! Rodney E Threatt
Marcia Leatherman Rosetti
February 24, 2012
DONNA WILL ALWAYS BE THOUGHT OF AS THE FRIENDLIEST, MOST KIND PERSON IVE EVER KNOWN. WE WERE IN GIRL SCOUTS TOGETHER FOR SOME YEARS. SHE WAS SO HELPFUL TO EVERYONE WHETHER SHE KNEW THEM OR NOT. SHE WAS A VERY SPECIAL PERSON.
Sharon Lynn
February 24, 2012
The few hours I spent with Donna at the Senior Games swimming event last year were unforgettable because of her jovial personality and happy-go-lucky spirit. Donna swam all strokes but was the only lady to swim butterfly. I'm happy she touched my life. My sympathy and prayers are with her family, church, and friends. Like the butterfly Donna's spirit is now free.
Mark and Tena Beauchamp
February 24, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time.
Marvin "Chuck" Ballard
February 24, 2012
Those of us that had the pleasure to grow up with Donna and know her, it is a same that such a wonderful person be taken from us this way. May the good Lord take a liking to one of his nicest, happiest, religious person I have ever known. God speed, Donna
Betty jean Smith
February 24, 2012
You will always be in my heart.
Rebecca Kanipe Humelsine
February 24, 2012
Donna was such a nice person with a great smile and kind word. Thought and prayers are for a wonderful family
Nell Baker
February 24, 2012
I was a childhood friend of Donna's when we used to be involved in Girl Scouting at Camp Rotary in Gastonia. I can remember her welcoming smile and always how friendly she was. May she rest in peace.
Nell Cochran Baker
carolyn wrenn
February 24, 2012
My heart and prayers go out to the Deitz family.
Agnes Dillingham
February 24, 2012
Donna was a very special person, fun to be with and always kind to everybody she knew.
I will miss her dearly.
Rest in Peace, Donna.
Lynn McLean
February 24, 2012
Donna was one of the friendliest and happiest people I have ever known. Always a smile, a laugh and could brightnen any day. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Freda Mayse
February 24, 2012
I will always remember Donna and feel very fortunate to have known her. She will always be my Girl Scout sister! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jennifer Dickson
February 24, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with all the family & friends of Donna. May God be with all of you during this time.
Robin Roberts
February 24, 2012
Donna was such a sweet person who's smile could light any room. The Deitz family have been so important in the Belmont community. Hope they can find some peace in this senseless tragedy .
Patti Prather Snyder
February 24, 2012
Donna was always "the best of the best". I am greatly saddened for such a tragic loss to her family. I am in prayer for you all.
February 24, 2012
Rest in peace!
Ann Helms
February 23, 2012
I am so sorry to hear this, and heartbroken for Donna's parents. We used to run into Donna around Belmont and always enjoyed her upbeat spirit and words of wisdom when it came to helping one's parents as they age. She will be missed.
Diane Mull
February 23, 2012
We are shocked and saddened by this tragedy. While we do not understand why, we have faith that God's will is infallable. He has called Donna home where she feels only peace and joy. It is those of us left behind who suffer the pains of sadness and loss. We share in your grief, and hope that God's love will hold you up during this trying time. (former classmate)
Joye Hines
February 23, 2012
My prayer's are with your friends and family
Stan Cromlish
February 23, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Dietz Family and their friends. Please remember all of the people who have been affected by this tragedy.
Beth Bass Hollars
February 23, 2012
Donna was a very special person, who gave generously to her family and her community- her time, her talents and her love. She was a "big " sister to those of us who were her little sister's friends. She was a truly wonderful person. Belmont will miss her deeply.
Jonathan Taylor
February 23, 2012
Thoughts and prayers to the Dietz Family, one of the finest in Belmont, during this senseless tragedy
February 23, 2012
Donna will be missed by family and friends. Her kindness and smile was a beacon to all.
Sindy NeagleMaxwell
February 23, 2012
Donna will be missed by all of us. Her kindness and smile was a beacon to all.
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