Donna Durning

Donna Nelson O'Connor Durning
On May 15, 2025, at the age of 88, our beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend entered into eternal rest and went straight to heaven.
Donna was born in Louisville, Kentucky, where she lived nearly her entire life, with the exception of a few years spent traveling during her husband's medical training. She was the devoted wife of the late Dr. Patrick Regan O'Connor, who passed away 48 years ago.
Donna attended Nazareth College (now Spalding University) and later earned a Master's degree in Education from Spalding University. She began her career as a schoolteacher, stepping away from the classroom to raise her two children, though she remained a constant presence as a room mother and substitute teacher throughout their school years.
Over the past 30 years, Donna dedicated herself wholeheartedly to serving others-especially the unborn, the homeless, and anyone in need of compassion and care. She volunteered five days a week for decades, gently counseling expectant women and encouraging them to choose life. One mother, so deeply moved by Donna's support, named her daughter in her honor.
Donna received many accolades over her lifetime: She worked many years Chairing and supporting The Designers' Show House, which benefitted Bellarmine University. She loved to dance and was a Fred Astaire Studio National Cross Country Dance Championship's Participant, whose team finished 1st in at least three events. She received the Caritas Award from Spalding University n 2000, Sisters for Life Extraordinary Faithful Servant Award 2013, and the Dr. Albert J Schweitzer Award From Right to Life of Louisville in 2002. She was honored by the Doctor's for Life in 2019 as the Pro-life Warrior of the Year. Last year, an award from Right to Life of Louisville's Celebration of Life was named in her honor, and Donna was the first recipient of The Donna Durning Community Award.
Donna was the eldest of nine children. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Patrick Regan O'Connor; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. John T. Nelson; her brothers Tommy Nelson, Jimmy Joe Nelson, Steven Nelson, and Mark Nelson; and her sister Janet Nelson Gish (Gary).
She is survived by her loving children, Patrick Regan O'Connor III and Kelly O'Connor Aland (Robert); her cherished granddaughter, Regan O'Connor Aland (soon to be married to Matthew McConnell); her sisters Cheri Misner and Catsy Bride; her brother Greg Nelson (Lee), along with many nieces and nephews. The family is deeply grateful to the many friends and relatives who visited Donna faithfully in her later years-she treasured every visit.
The funeral service will be at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, June 6 at 10am, with burial at Resthaven Memorial Park at noon.
The body will be at Ratterman's, 3711 Lexington Road, June 5, with visitation from 4-8pm
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Right to Life of Louisville, 1974 A Douglass Blvd., Suite 101, Louisville, KY 40205