Donna Weber Stemper

1933 - 2025

Donna Weber Stemper

April 4, 1933 - April 4, 2025

Donna Mae Weber Stemper passed away peacefully, and coincidentally, on her 92nd birthday, April 4, 2025. She always did find joy and delight in coincidence, irony, and chance meetings. She doted on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren but loved all children. Donna was a real people person. Her bright smile and friendliness brightened the lives of the many, many friends she held dear as well.

Donna was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, John (Jack) Stemper; grandson, Weber Bjerklie; brothers Paul and Donald Weber and her faithful canine, Jim Bob. She is survived by her loving children, Barry (Margaret), Becky, Casey (Laura Belle), Sherry and Stephen (Daisy); grandchildren, Simone (Ryan Freeze), Michela, Désirée Alexander (Alexander Youssefian), Petra Alexander (Andrew Acconzo), Emily, Austin, Isaac Bjerklie and Kellie Bolden; her great grandchildren, Gavin and Liam Layton; sisters-in-law Nora Weber and Mary (Susan) Mosso and many nieces, nephews, cousins plus her many lifelong friends.

Donna was born in Monessen, PA to Elmer and Ruth (Bondascha) Weber. She lived most of her childhood in Monongahela, PA and was blessed to have lived in the apartment just above her loving grandma Rose Bondascha who ran a bakery in town. She fondly remembered her hometown of Monongahela and maintained contact with her childhood friends until the end. She graduated from Slippery Rock State Teachers College in PA with degrees in Health and Education. While there, she met her husband, Jack Stemper. They moved to Richmond, VA for Jack's career and to raise a family.

Donna taught in the Richmond and Chesterfield public schools for 27 years, first as a high school Physical Education teacher and then as a Kindergarten teacher. She loved all of her children as her own. Upon retirement, she continued to dress as Mother Goose or an Elf and visit Kindergarten classrooms to entertain the captivated audiences.

Donna was athletic and played football with the boys as a young girl as well as basketball and field hockey. She taught tennis, diving and swimming. Until the age of 90, she played in a bowling league and often won the trophy at the Stemper annual bowling tournament held every Christmas. She enjoyed writing poetry, playing cards and board games, sewing, knitting, gardening, birdwatching and bible study. Donna played the bells in church, was a member of WINGS (Women In God's Service), and was a founding member of Church of the Epiphany and Saint Gabriel Catholic churches. Donna traveled throughout the United States, France, Italy and Israel.

Visitation reception will be held Tuesday, April 15, 2025 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bennett Funeral Home, 14301 Ashbrook Parkway, Chesterfield, VA 23832. Mass will be held Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 10:30 in Saint Gabriel Catholic Church, 8901 Winterpock Road, Chesterfield, VA 23832. Burial will be at Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Amelia at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local animal shelter, in memory of our dear Donna Mae.

Bennett Funeral Home - Chesterfield Chapel