Donna Earlene Steigerwald, 90, died peacefully September 8, 2017, at home. She was born in Collinsville, Oklahoma on February 23, 1927 to Charles Ward and Verna Alexander Howard.

Born with a pioneering heart, Donna traveled the world, was a woman ahead of her time, and was a true adventurer. She graduated with a Master’s Degree from Oklahoma State University and began her studies abroad in Bogota, Columbia. Before retirement, she had a long and exciting career with the State Department.

The mother of six boys and two girls, and grandmother of 26 children, Donna loved her family and was a talented cook, notorious for her pies and Sunday night rigatoni dinners. She was married to Jack for 54 years before his death on April 28, 2010.

Survivors include her children John Steigerwald, Front Royal, VA, Charles Steigerwald, Fairfax, VA, Gregory Steigerwald, Arlington, VA, James Steigerwald, Miami, FL, Nora Borne, Marietta, GA, Stephen Steigerwald, Vero Beach, FL, Joan Steigerwald, Duluth, GA; and sister, Lynn Webber, Severna Park, MD.

Her husband, John Paul Steigerwald; son, Robert Steigerwald; brothers, Leslie Howard and Glenn Howard; and sister, Dorothy Worstell, predeceased her.

The family thanks Steve and Glenda Steigerwald for their dedication and loving care of Donna at their home in Vero Beach, Florida in these past seven years.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA), 912 Killian Hill Road SW, Lilburn, GA 30047 or online at http://lbda.org/donate.

A private ceremony in celebration of Donna’s life will be held at 2:00 pm, October 14, 2017.