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BORN
1947
DIED
2018
Donna Jo Soviero Obituary
April 10, 1947 - August 19, 2018
Donna Jo was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania to Joseph and Margaret Soviero. Survived by her husband of 52 years Robin K. Roche and their daughter Robin Kelly Roche (Hallie Hinkhouse), her mother Margaret Soviero, siblings Suzette Soviero (Rusk Bolsinger) and Anthony Soviero (Maria Lass) and scores of beloved friends and family.Donna Jo, known to many as DJ, was a lifelong learner and multitasker. She graduated from Middletown High School, Middletown NJ and The School of International Service at American University, Washington, D.C. She received her law degree from San Francisco New College of Law where she also became Board Chair. She was a student of French, Italian, American Sign Language, and Bikram Yoga among many other interests. She was an ardent and tireless advocate for women seeking office. She also worked for the Democratic leadership in San Francisco and around the country.
Her professional career began in Washington DC with the Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service. In 1973 she was transferred to the San Francisco Region 9 Headquarters and became the Director of the National Health Service Corps, a program to place physicians in needy areas. Later she was house counsel to the Regional Health Administrator. In 1980 she opened a private law practice representing landlords and tenants and authored the first handbook of tenant rights for the City of San Francisco. After the birth of her daughter in 1990, DJ was appointed as an Administrative Law Judge for the State of California where she heard cases until 2016.
An avid critic, she enjoyed film and theater, especially during 20 years of summers in Ashland, Oregon for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. DJ frequently vacationed and studied in Italy becoming an Italian citizen through her paternal grandfather's lineage.She commonly amazed her friends with her prodigious memory and her keen intellect. Her tireless humor and love of life was a beacon to her family and friends each and every day.
Donna Jo survived 18 years of breast cancer with the care and support of UCSF, where her care team marveled at her determination and resilience to live out a productive and loving life.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Emily's List in honor of Donna Jo Soviero. To donate, please visit: https://secure.emilyslist.org/page/outreach/view/membership/DONNAJO
Memorial Service to be held Friday September 14, 2018 at noon at the Swedenborgian Church in San Francisco.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donna Jo Soviero
Claudia Coonrod Barnett
August 18, 2024
As the years go by you are evermore in my life, heart and spirit. Every time I see a butterfly I know you are with me. You would be so very pleased with the upcoming election. I know you would be working the phones and organizing so Kamala Harris would be the first woman president of the US. Perhaps you even knew her in San Francisco? I wish I could ask you that and get an answer from you. Love you always. Claudia
Claudia Barnett
August 18, 2022
Donnajo. I miss you every day. I know you would have loved to share the joy of grandparenting with me with the arrival of your grandson, Hazel. Your legacy is the love I have for our 50+ years of friendship and the stength and foresight your showed as you left this material life.
Claudia Barnett
August 18, 2021
Donnajo I miss you every day. I know that you would be so despairing for the Afghan women who now find themselves under the rule of the Taliban. I have made a donation to Lutheran Social Service National Capital Area in your honor to support refugees who have been fortunate to get out of Afghanistan. Alexandra and I hope to carry on your efforts to promote independence and freedom for women throughout the world. Love you more !!
Claudia Barnett
August 18, 2020
Donnajo was my best friend for over 50 years. Words cannot describe the intense closeness I felt for her; and I believe she for me. Donnajo was an excellent student of life. She wanted to learn and develop new skills from the moment I met her in 1965 to the last months of her life. She was a fierce spirit working for freedom, fairness and women's rights. She was committed to her birth family and her created family of Robin and Kelly (and Hallie) and her family of friends. I miss her every day and wish that she were here to talk politics and grand-babies and my dog Sammy who has tried to replace her with structure, cuddles and love. I sang "Somewhere over the Rainbow" to you on your death bed DJ and every time I see a rainbow I know you are there.
Richard REY
December 31, 2019
Deep sadness from France, to learn this bad new. Thought to her family.
I lived in DJ's house during 3 weeks in 1990 to and I took a very good memory of that. She was a very pleasant woman.
Special thought to her daughter who must be sad in this bad days...
I played with her when she was two year old. It was very fun but it seems so far...
Health and happyness to her and her family.
Claudia Barnett
August 18, 2019
Missing you every day. Love you more! C
Ilene Moore
September 16, 2018
Such a special person.
Terry L. Zaccarino
September 15, 2018
A great friend to me and many others and a "World Class" person. We laughed about high school days as we talked at our 50th reunion. Blessings to the family and God Bless our great friend DJ.
Bob Schmidt
September 10, 2018
A great member of the Canon Mac class of 1965. She was intelligent, she was attractive and she wore a smile for everyone she met. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her especially her high school classmates.
Mary Broglie
September 10, 2018
I too remember Donna Jo. God bless her for the life and career she had. Her career was not an easy one for a young woman in our day. She lived a life that anyone could be proud of. Rest In Peace, Donna Jo Mary (Piccioni) Broglie
Sharon Snedeker
September 10, 2018
I definitely remember Donna Jo - we had a pajama part at her house in Canonsburg when she attended the Canon McMillan shool district. She was very popular and a beautiful girl and like by everyone. God Bless her and her family at this most difficult time.
Louise Ogden
August 27, 2018
I will always remember D.J. for her leadership, kindness, integrity and her adament support for women both politically and personally. She was a great friend to have. She will be missed.
Gale Moses
August 26, 2018
I was proud to have known DJ when I lived in San Francisco. I admired her tenacity and strong opinions. She worked hard in politics as a strong supporter of female candidates and women's issues. Her family has my deepest sympathy. She was a wonderful person.
School of International Service, The American University, 1967
August 26, 2018
Donnajo. Your legacy is profound. You created a loving family, you advocated for justice and you supported women in every endeavor. You were my best friend for 53 years and I cherish our connection. Though we go on, you are in my heart forever. "I love you more!"
Claudia Barnett
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