Donna Marie Chaffee

Donna Marie Chaffee-Ratazak, beloved mother and daughter, passed away peacefully on June 9th, 2025 in Denver, Colorado surrounded by her three children. Born in Newport, Vermont on May 22, 1954 to Edwin "Ted" Chaffee and Mary Fedele, Donna was a shining light in her community and her family. Growing up, she enjoyed spending time with her family at their lake house, acting, cheerleading, and sharing a laugh with her close friends and extended family. Donna attended college in Boston, Massachusetts, and from there moved to San Francisco, California where she met her husband, Robert Ratazak, and wed in September of 1985. They had three beautiful children, Charles, Anthony, and Cathryn, that they raised in Danville, California. Her later passions included raising her three children, photography, adventures with her family, and countless cherished trips back to visit family in Vermont. Donna is survived by her children, Charles Ratazak, Anthony Ratazak, and Cathryn Ratazak, and her brother Robert Chaffee. A memorial will be held in her adored hometown of Newport, Vermont during her absolute favorite fall season, at a to be determined date and location.