Donna Czyzynski

Donna Czyzynski, born November 13, 1952, in Altadena, CA passed away on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, OH.

After a joyful life in Apple Valley, CA, and retiring to a ranch in Wyoming where she sadly lost her husband, Gary, in 2014, she fought an intermittent battle against cancer sadly ending on Sunday. Her legacy of love and laughter will never die. She is survived by her 2 beloved daughters, Rebecca and Rachel, and her first grandchild arriving in April.

Family was always the most important thing to Donna. In addition to her daughters, she leaves behind her 5 cherished siblings, Karen, Stan, Steve, Laura, and Denise as well as cherished friendships with her sister-in-laws Gayle and Gwenn and brother-in-law Roy. She treasured her closeness with her numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. If you had the opportunity to know Donna well, you know of her gift to be able to light up a room, and the sound of her contagious and memorable laugh will ring in our ears for eternity.

She had many talents and interests including a love of art, museums, walking, traveling, quilting, baking, the beach, and playing games. If you ever played with her, you know her fierce desire to win. She found great comfort as a member of the Catholic Church and in individual prayer. She volunteered many hours to leading Girl Scout troops when her daughters were young and later helping organize as part of the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio. Donna had a great love of animals, contributing daily to the feedings of the pets within her own backyard and a special connection to her dog Scout through agility and nightly shared crackers. She always valued exercise and completing the Del Sur Marathon rang among her proudest achievements. Donna worked many years at Apple Valley High School where she made many lifelong friends and above all always valued and missed the candor and humor of all the students she worked with.

Condolences or stories about Donna can be shared via her Facebook page for others to enjoy. The family will be holding an intimate gathering this Sunday, February 19th where they will be reading the condolences or stories. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to help assist with final expenses. For details on how to share your condolences or make a donation, please contact her daughter, Rachel, at rczyzynski@yahoo.com.