Donna Chadd Obituary

We knew Donna long ago and far far away -- wonderful lady. Thoughts are with you and peace be with you all -- Helen and Milo Muterspaugh

I was a neighbor of Donna's in pueblo west. We lived several acre's apart but we became friends through coffees at Mary and Jo's. She held ice cream socials and all the neighbors gathered at her house. What a great time we all shared with her and Phillip. She will be greatly missed by many. Your friend Marianne

I met Donna while we were both at UCCS
I remember her as kind and funny and, as older students, we shared many laughs. I am sorry to hear of her death.

Donna embodied "mindfulness" years before it became a pop culture phrase. She was purposeful and conscientious. As a educator, she put the children first. I once saw her in the crossing guard vest, protecting the children when Ivywild needed it. She taught me how pervasive and damaging "bullying" can be, again long before the general population caught it. So sorry for Phil and her family, she did all the right stuff for a long and productive life.

My first intended post regarding Donna's passing was about meeting our mutual friend. At my first " New Teacher Orientation" meeting, I met a fellow new teacher to South Junior High, Patricia Leebens. Through her I met Donna Chadd. Donna became my friend, my colleague, my mentor and my principal. (May I inject, "Patty, let's get back in touch.")

As a new teacher in Colorado Springs, I met a fellow newby at Wasson HS new teacher orientation, Patricia Leebens. Through her, I met Donna Chadd, who became a long time friend, fellow administrator, and later, my principal and mentor. Donna was a friend and an inspiration. (If I may add this, Patty Leebens, I'd love to connect with you again.)

I'm saddened to learn of Donna's all-to-premature death recently. As a new English and social studies teacher at Russell Jr. High School (1974-1982), I was blessed to be taken under Donna's competent and enthusiastic guidance. She was the consumate educator...smart, professional, committed to what was best for kids, and passionate about learning. She was also funny, playful, encouraging....and willing to take risks, despite her "proper" teacher demeanor. I modeled my teaching after her and hoped that I could be half as competent as she.

When I left teaching for medical school in 1982, we followed each other's careers from afar...with our friendship and mutual respect growing, not diminished by the distance. My late in life wedding (at 52) in 2003 was made perfect by the last minute arrival of Donna and her husband, Phil, to our rehearsal dinner in Tulum, Mexico. Donna and Phil had been traveling all night (and day) from Colorado to make it on time to the festivities. Donna's comment, as she hugged me, said it all, "I just couldn't imagine missing the wedding of my dear friend, Pat."

She was a loving and generous teacher, administrator, and friend....who will be greatly missed.

Teacher, Pema Chödrön, says that beyond fear lies a state of openheartedness and tenderness. This is the character I saw in Donna (as in her husband and my friend, Phil). The world has lost the presence of one which it desperately needed and still does. Fortunately that presence will have been felt by the so many she touched.

I remember Donna as the Principal at Ivywild Elementary School. Donna was such a great lady.Shocked to hear of her passing.My kids Ryan,Dominique,Andrea and Cherie and Kent Clark all have such good memories of Donna.RIP Donna.

Donna contributed so much with her adaptation of the ITI Brain Induced Learning methodology. I learned so much under her tutelage and will always be grateful for her teaching and her friendship. God bless you, Donna.

Donna was a visionary principal at Ivywild School and created a safe and respectful learning environment for the students. I honored and respected her courage to step out of the box and make a difference. She made a huge impact on my teaching career.

I have fond memories of Donna as the principal of Ivywild. She hired me as a 5 th grade teacher when I moved to Colorado Springs from Las Vegas. She will be missed.