Donna McElroy Obituary

I cannot believe that it has been 18 years, I feel as though it was yesterday. Donna was a bright spot in this world and to those with whom she came in contact. I appreciated her artistic help and guidance while working on special projects during her time at Centennial Elementary School. Thank you for this opportunity to reflect back to those days and relive the joys that they brought. Thanks Donna!

How fast the years have flown. This reminder is the equivalent of a time machine that took me back to a better place and time. This has made me remember all of the outstanding people of whom I have had the pleasure to enjoy their talents, dedication, sorrows and love. Donna was no doubt special - her energy and self-assured personality were treasures to be enjoyed. Her dedication to her craft and to children was a humanitarian expression of her life. Thank you for this opportunity to reflect on those memories.

Dear Becky & family,
My heart hurts at the loss of your dear mother.
Donna brought her smiling face to us at the Saturday Brunch Bunch at Mt View Mountain United Methodist Church. Woodland Park. CO
She blessed us just by being with us.
Joan P Hatcher there.

It was a shock to hear of Donna's passing, and still hard to accept. I am so glad I was able to be there Friday night and Saturday to celebrate her life with Becky and Phillip, Aunt Mary, Tim and Tom, Anne, Jane and so many friends. The last time I saw Donna, (Christmas 2006 in Corning, IA), it had been years since I had seen her, and honest to God, she looked the same as I remembered, such a beautiful smile and youthful appearance. I enjoyed so much catching up with her (and meeting Murphy!). I recall laughing alot too, she had some great stories. We talked about getting together sometime up at the cabin in Estes Park, since quite a few of us live in Colorado. As we know all too well, life is short and everything can change in the blink of an eye. I'm sorry we didn't get up to the cabin, and that such a remarkable woman who gave so much of herself was taken from us. She touched so many lives, made a difference, lived life to the fullest, and I am honored to be a part of her family. I know she joined God with our loved ones who have gone before us, which is a great comfort. Our family is strong in our faith, as she was, and we will keep her memory and spirit alive in our hearts. Love and prayers,
Julie Fees (Donna's cousin) Snowmass Village CO

I mourn the passing of Donna McElroy. This is one lady who knew her art and was passionate about it. Thank you for your dedication not only to art but to education. I enjoyed our years working together. I am so sorry that I missed the service on Saturday.
Jan Michel, retired principal, Centennial Elementary

Becky and Phil,
Your mom was one of the relatives that I especially looked forward to seeing when we went to family reunions. We often did fun activities together wherever we were for the reunions. We shall miss her and our special times together but will cherish the great memories that we have. It is a greast comfort to me to know that she was a believer and will be with God forever. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Dear Donna,
I crumbled as you took your last breaths of life here on earth. Today I said my last goodbye to what was once the temple for your soul. It was most difficult because I was selfishly thinking of me and my loss, the gaping hole in my heart. You were my teammate, my confidant, my dear friend, and a huge ray of sunshine. You were so quick to make me laugh. I will miss your sparkling eyes, your feisty personality, and your beautiful, petite smiling face. I was referred to as your best friend a couple of times, but that’s not true…you thought of, and treated everyone as your “best friend”. That’s what made you so special, and loved by so many. As I listened to your family and friends recall memories of you, I realized you will never truly be gone. You live on in our hearts, and the souls that you have touched. As I reflect on our last days together, I take comfort in the knowledge that I witnessed you reaching for the hands of the angels as they came to greet and comfort you. I am confident you were blessed with everlasting life. I believe with all my heart your soul is thriving in the Kingdom of Heaven. Peace be with you, my friend, and with those left behind.
Much Love,

I wish to express my deep sympathy to Donna's family at this time of great loss of such a special lady. My fondest memories of Donna are her commitment to excellence in all that I knew her to do. She was a wonderful example to her many, many students and colleagues at Centennial. I also will hold dear all of the times she and I worked side by side putting up our bulletin boards in the hallways. Her work ethic was commendable. God Bless you during this most difficult time.

Dear Family...I will miss Donna so very much...we taught art together at Harrison and were active in HEA and had many good times. She was a dear friend to many, and was such a fighter for the rights of others, so kind always and so dedicated to her students and to her profession. We were all so grateful to have known her, to have called her our friend, and I want you all to know she was SO proud of you, her family. She talked about the good times, the visits and the dreams to come. Thank you for including me in your e-mails and thank you for your loving kindness to her friends who have come to see her one last time.

To Family & Friends,

I am so sorry for your loss, my deepest sympathy are with you during this time of loss. Donna, was our first Non-Hispanic Chairperson for El Cinco de Mayo, Inc. and our partnership with her and The Fine Arts Center was always a pleasure.
El Cinco de Mayo, Inc.

My sincere sympathies go out to Donna's family. I was so blessed to have been able to re-connect with Donna a number of years ago when she moved to Woodland Park and was just a few miles from my home. My only regret is that I never told her how much she meant to me. She was a good friend, so upbeat and so much fun to be around. She will be missed by so many of us.
Nancy (Thomas) Hill

Donna and MaryLynne and I were gathering all the cousins to go to Ireland in 2010 to explore the McElroy family roots. It was so exciting talking to Donna about the possiblities of such a trip. We surely miss Donna's smile and enthusiasm. If we do actually go to Ireland, it will be a tribute to Donna.
Love,
Patty (McElroy) Sleasman

It happened one night in London! Donna and I were staying with a couple named Lillian and 'arry. After dinner Lillian asked if we would like to go for a swim in the back yard pool with 'arry. We explained that we had not brought our swimming suits. Undaunted, Lillian replied "That's OK, 'arry doesn't have one either." That was 25 years ago and we never stopped laughing the whole time. I will miss her. Mary Ann Jones formerly of Laramie, Wyoming now of Henderson, Nevada And then there was the time she was the token Methodist in the Catholic Choir...etc.

Words cannot express the void and saddness in my heart. Donna truly was a one of a kind individual - we were are all so very lucky to have been blessed with her giftedness she so freely shared with so many. I loved her zest for life, her energy, her laughter, the sparkle in her eyes, her love for an adventure. She was a person of true integrity, a true friend. My life was changed for the better because of her.

I am a friend of Tim Fees (Donna's brother). I was saddened to hear about the death of Tim's sister. He was distressed last Sunday during a church service. My wife and I would like to extend our sorrow to Tim and his family during this time. You are in our prayers. Sincerely, Fred and Beth Isaak

I don't know what or how to write. Donna's passing on Sunday, March 2 (Gazette said March 3) was so sudden and such a blow. We all thought the little "Energizer Bunny" would never run out.

The many memories we all have of Donna will be treasured. The many family and friends who have responded have been a great consolation to us here in Woodland Park as we prepare for the services and celebration of her life on Saturday, March 8.

Donna's mother, Mary, cannot read very well so I have been reading to her all the emails and notes you leave. They mean so much and we thank you all so very much.

Sincerely,

Donna was a great Art Teacher. All three of my children enjoyed being in her class. She brought something to the classroom, that made them want to learn more about the art world. She will be greatly missed, and her teachings of art will live in every child she has taught.

Donna was a wonder. A person you could count on to do the right thing and stand up for those who needed help. I will miss her energy and "go for it" attitude. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time.

Donna's Family: I extend my sympathy to Donna's family...she was a person with a big heart and loving intentions. I worked with her for many years through her volunteer community work with El Cinco de Mayo, Inc. and she was a dedicated and committed committee member. She will be missed very much. God Bless the family. Carmen Abeyta

Our prayers are with your family! It was a pleasure working with Donna! I considered her a hard working pro-fessional and a good friend!! I am deeply saddened by her loss!!

Donna's Family and Linda:

Donna's laughter and "energizer bunny" approach to life will always be remembered by me. She shared her diverse experiences with all and allowed the students whom she taught to be able to see so much through her tales. She instilled a wish in them to seek the same opportunitites for themselves. I will remember Donna as a straight-shooting, down to earth person who could be relied on for whatever comittment made. She leaves behind many positive memories and I am grateful to have known her. I pray for healing of the grief you are feeling at this time.