Donna Lee Loftus

Donna Lee (Chapman) Loftus, 91, of Melbourne, FL, beloved wife of 65 years to the late William Carl Loftus, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Orlando Health Melbourne Hospital, surrounded by her family. Born on June 9, 1934, in the Wapping section of South Windsor, Connecticut, Donna Lee was the daughter of the late William Henry and Margaret (McKenna) Chapman. She grew up in South Windsor and was a proud graduate of Ellsworth High School. Donna Lee spent much of her life in South Windsor before moving to Melbourne, Florida, in 1988. She worked as a data processing professional for Connecticut Mutual and as a remedial reading paraprofessional for the South Windsor school system, starting at Eli Terry. While working full-time, she pursued her education and earned her associate degree from Manchester Community College at the age of 40. After completing her degree, she continued her work in education at Timothy Edwards Middle School before returning to Connecticut Mutual. An avid reader throughout her life, Donna Lee loved learning and exploring new places. She also loved bowling and excelled at it. In her younger years, she enjoyed camping at Rocky Neck State Park, and later, she and Bill continued the tradition with their family, joining both the North American Family Campers Association and the Springfield Ski Club. She took great pride in planning educational trips and family adventures throughout New England, always seeking out meaningful experiences. Some of her most treasured memories were bringing her family to see the King Tut exhibit the Shroud of Turin. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family. Whether it was "Sisters' Week" in August or holiday gatherings, she cherished every moment. Her move to Florida brought her happiness, but her biggest challenge was being away from her beloved grandchildren, Shaun and Meghan. Known affectionately as "Mam," a no-nonsense mother, she lived up to it perfectly. Fierce and strong, yet exceptionally kind and creative, she often mailed homemade cookies overnight to her grandchildren and was famous for cooking her signature baked beans during family visits. Even a Weight Watchers recipe for beef stroganoff, became a lasting family favorite. In Florida, Mam took up jewelry making and knitting, creating bracelets with her daughter Kim and granddaughter Meghan when they visited, and lovingly sending handmade hats, scarves, mittens, and socks to family members back home. Donna Lee leaves behind her son Michael W. Loftus of Melbourne, FL; her daughter Kimberly Brault and husband Michael of South Windsor, CT; her two grandchildren, Shaun Brault of South Windsor, CT, and Meghan Stetson and husband Corey of Coventry, CT; her sister Rae Slowick and husband Mitchell of South Windsor, CT; many beloved nieces and nephews; and a dedicated group of friends whose support she deeply cherished. She was predeceased by her siblings William "Skip" Chapman, Marlene Kozlak, and Roger Chapman. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 673 Ellington Rd., in South Windsor, CT, on Wednesday October 22nd at 11 am. Burial to follow at Wapping Cemetery. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donna Lee, please visit our floral store.