Donna Lee Swanhart

Donna Lee Swanhart, 75, of St Petersburg, Florida, passed away peacefully at her home July 20, 2025. Born June 3, 1950 in St. Petersburg to parents Mark Francis Swanhart (deceased) and Jacqueline Claire Moran (deceased), she was a graduate of Northeast High School where she played softball, tennis as well as flute in the marching band. She retired in 2008 after over 25 years in the production maintenance department for the St. Petersburg Times where she earned the Silver Key in 2006. Donna had a love for animals, leading her to run a pet-sitting business, where her two and four legged clients became friends. She would spend countless hours at the barn with her horse Joey and always packed treats for the other horses. An avid bird watcher, she enjoyed documenting in her life-list bird book dates and locations she spotted new birds. Donna was passionate about baseball, watching games most nights at home while keeping up with her favorite team. Her love for music, especially blues, country and singer/songwriters were evident in her vinyl collection, which she would listen to in the evenings on her porch. Donna also loved to travel, visiting over 24 states from coast to coast. She particularly loved being in the mountains, noting Montana was the most beautiful state she had ever seen. She had a deep love for her family and took great joy in being Nana to her grandkids. She often took on a role of caretaker, always putting the needs of others in front of her own. To have known her was to have loved her, she had a gift of always making people feel special. Donna also maintained a strong faith in the lord, which guided her throughout her life, often sharing scripture with friends and family. Donna is survived by her daughter, Shelley Swanhart, son Joe Swanhart (Heather), Grandsons Chirs and Caleb Swanhart, Granddaughter Hadley Swanhart. She also leaves behind brothers Gary Swanhart (Diane), Keith Glasgow (Mary Anne), Tommy Edwards (Lisa), and sisters Susan Billera (Steve deceased) and Ann Emmons (Eddie), several nieces and nephews, as well as great-nieces and great-nephews, countless dear friends and colleagues. A Celebration of Life is being planned for November, more details to come. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Fluff Animal Rescue, Inc- an organization that Donna fully supported.