Donna Jean Long

Donna Jean Long

Donna Jean Long, age 82, peacefully passed away under the care of Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Friday morning, April 18, 2025. Prior to hospice, she had been a resident of the Elizabeth Scott Community for 3 ½ years.

Donna was born in Toledo, Ohio, September 7, 1942, to the late Judson Long and Emma Long (Leonhardt). She grew up in North Toledo, attending Hamilton Elementary School and Woodward High School, class of 1960. At Woodward, Donna was a member of the National Honor Society and served as its treasurer her senior year. She was selected to attend Buckeye Girls State as a junior. Donna was the junior class editor of the Saga, the school yearbook. Her other memberships included Future Teachers of America, German Club, Latin Club, and the Peris Literary Society.

Donna attended the University of Toledo where she was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education in 1964 and a Master of Education, specializing in Administration and Supervision, in 1980.

Donna's work career began as a teenager when she worked in the neighborhood ice cream parlor. Throughout her college years, she spent her summers working as a playground aide and supervisor at Wilson Park. After college graduation, Donna began her teaching career at Woodward High School, followed by a decade at Scott High School where she taught English during the civil rights movement. In 1978, Donna transferred to Rogers High School, continuing to teach English, and earning many accolades during her tenure there.

The Public Relations Society of America placed Donna in the English Teacher Hall of Fame in 1983. She received the Rogers High School Miss Page Award for 1988-89, having supported many school activities, including serving as advisor to the school newspaper. Her students won the Channel 13 Student Editorial Competition four years in a row, and the VFW Patriotic Essay Contest several times. In 1994, Donna was listed in the third edition of Who's Who Among America's Teachers. She retired from Rogers in 1994, after completing 30 years of teaching.

After retiring, Donna purchased a home in Bonita Springs, Florida, where she spent her winters and made many new friends. She became an active member of the Citrus Park community, planning and taking part in musical productions, holiday parades, and sponsoring a softball team, Donna's Dynamos, the members of which became close friends and brought her much happiness.

When back in the Toledo area, Donna fulfilled many of her early dreams. She studied tap dancing with the Manhattan Dance Company, even performing with this group in Toronto, Canada. She joined the Waterville Playshop, where she acted and sang in several productions.

Donna had a life-long love of travel. She took trips throughout the United States, often with her mother and sister. She later took cruises and bus trips with various family members and friends.

When looking back at Donna's life, we remember her love of swimming from a young age and continuing throughout her life. We remember her many dogs and cats, she so dearly loved. We remember her flashy cars, starting with a 1965 Mustang convertible, followed by a bright blue HHR with American flag decals covering it, and, finally, with another cherry-red Mustang that she cherished until her driving days concluded. We remember Donna for her signature fashion styles. She was usually seen in sequined ball caps in all colors for all occasions. She also wore Southwest turquoise jewelry from her vast collection, much of it artisan designed. Finally, we remember her generosity, always loving to give gifts, but hesitant to receive them.

Donna had groups of friends from all parts of her life, many of whom have predeceased her. Close friends from her teaching years include Marilyn Hartman and Julie Harrison. From her condo, she had friends Louise Dishong and Francie Braida. From many years of day trips, Marilyn Jacob, Eileen Moore, and Joan Rill, a friend since 1st grade, share many wonderful memories of Donna. Finally, there were her friends from Citrus Park, many whom kept in touch with her, even after she was unable to winter there.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Robert Long; and her brother-in-law, Raymond Chamberlain.

Donna is survived by her sister, Kathleen Chamberlain; and nephews, Jeffrey (Rebecca) Chamberlain, David (Mandi) Chamberlain; and niece, Jill Eubank (Mike).

Donna's wish was to be cremated; her ashes were inurned privately at Toledo Memorial Park in Sylvania, Ohio. Friends and family are invited to leave online condolences at www.weigelfuneralhomes.com.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, June 11th, at Shawn's Irish Tavern, 105 S. 3rd Street, Waterville, Ohio, from 5 – 8 p.m.

Those wishing a show of sympathy may consider a memorial contribution to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929. To donate online: stjude.org/donate today.

Arrangements by Weigel Funeral Home – 419.826.2631.

weigelfuneralhomes.com