Donna Hager Schoeny

1943 - 2025

Donna Hager Schoeny

August 14, 1943 - July 30, 2025

Donna Lou Angell Hager Schoeny, 81, of Charlottesville, Va., passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on July 30, 2025. Donna was born on August 14, 1943, in Oneonta, New York, to Robert F. Angell and Dorothy Ellen Townsend Angell. She grew up in Oneonta and graduated from Oneonta Senior High School in 1961. A lifelong proponent of education, Donna earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1975, and her Master of Science in Education in 1976, both from the State University of New York – College at Potsdam. She later received her Doctor of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Virginia in 1981. Donna's career in education was both broad and impactful. She worked at various times as a librarian, a teacher, a professional editor, and a school board member. She served as Director of Community Education for the SUNY Potsdam Teacher Corps, where she helped shape educational access and outreach. Donna published extensively in the professional community and served as a consultant for numerous national organizations and government agencies. Her professional journey culminated in her work as Director of Administration and Special Projects for the Council of Chief State School Officers in Washington, D.C., where she played a key role in shaping national conversations around education policy and leadership. One of Donna's greatest passions was traveling abroad with her family and friends. She loved to read, shop, cook, do crosswords, and watch Jeopardy! Donna had a passion for collecting unique items, including owls, nutcrackers, Buddhas, and southwestern pottery. She loved to give special gifts to bring joy to others. Donna will be remembered for her intelligence, her love of children and animals, her sense of humor and fun-loving attitude, her generosity, her strong will and fighting spirit, and her many interesting collections. She was known for her unconditional love and acceptance of those who entered her life and was affectionately called "Gramma" by many. Christmas at Gramma's house was always the event of the year. Donna is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, Zahrl G. Schoeny; her daughter Valerie Hager Zentner (Kenny Zentner); stepchildren Mara Schoeny, Deya Hart (Greg Hart), Darin Schoeny, and Alissa Schoeny; and her cherished grandchildren Aaron Flynn (Denali Halsey), Lauren Zentner, Jacob Zentner, Raleigh Hart (Caleb Williams), Greer Hart-McCormick (Nick McCormick); and great-grandson, Joe McCormick. She is also survived by her sister Barbara Leo (Joseph Leo); niece Amy Auer (Joe Auer); and great-nephews J.R. Leo and Cody Auer. Donna was preceded in death by her beloved daughters Brenda Hager Flynn (2023), and Laurie Beth Hager (2024). A graveside service will be held at Monticello Memory Gardens at 1 p.m., on Saturday, August 23, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to animal and environmental support causes in Donna's honor. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Teague Funeral Service