Donna Jean Rees-Cooke

Donna Jean Rees-Cooke, 95, of Jeffersonville, Indiana, passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. Donna lived a life defined by independence, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to doing things her own way.

Born on September 25, 1930, in Spokane, Washington, to the late Russell Rees and Martha Stempel Rees, Donna’s love of music shaped her early years. She attended the Juilliard School of Music, trained in opera, and hosted her own radio show in the 1950s. Her musical talent remained a lifelong thread, later sharing her voice as the soloist in her church.

Donna’s professional life was as varied and vibrant as she was. She worked for Sampsonaires Music in Spokane before moving to Cincinnati, Ohio in 1973, where she joined the Nestlé candy company and also built a career in real estate. Eventually settling in Indiana, she spent nearly three decades as a traveling saleswoman in the photography industry—logging as many as 70,000 miles a year on the road. Her independence was legendary, and she embraced every chapter of her life with determination and spirit.

She remained in excellent health and kept an active routine well into her nineties, alternating between Silver Sneakers classes and “Sit and Be Fit” workouts at home. With only two rare exceptions, she had not visited a doctor since 1973. She was well read, intellectually curious, and always ready for her next adventure. Donna loved traveling, going on cruises, spending time with friends, and visiting her family in Spokane and Canada.

Donna is survived by her children Pamela (Frank) Dingler, Jacci Bottler, David Cooke, and Robert (Francesco) Cooke; and by her grandchildren Gary Bottler Jr., Julee (Jonas) Svensson, Rebecca Dingler, and Jasmine Dingler.

Honoring Donna’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions (3309 Ballard Lane, New Albany, IN) with a time for sharing memories beginning at 3:00 p.m.

Please consider sharing a memory of Donna or leaving a special message for her family by completing the online Guestbook below.