Donna Jean Nelson

Donna Jean Nelson, age 88, most recently of Delaware, OH, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones July 27th, 2025.

Donna was born July 30th, 1936 in Akron, Ohio to Philomena (Werner) & Dean Wake. She was a proud graduate of St. Mary’s High School in June, 1954. 

Donna married Frank (William Franklin) Nelson eloping to Angola, Indiana, at the tender age of 19. They were married for 61 years until Frank passed at the age of 82 in 2017.

Her love for her children, family and cherished friends were her greatest joy in life. She had five children, and is survived by three daughters; Luanne (Nelson) St.Peter (spouse Edward); Suzanne Nelson, and Cyndi (Nelson) Barrera (spouse Ricardo). She also had two sons who preceded her in death; Dean O. Nelson (survived by wife Maryanne Osolin Nelson), and John D. Nelson.

Donna is blessed to have ten grandchildren; Matthew, Dean and Marie St. Peter, Nelson and Charles Stack, Johnathan Nelson, Miles and Rachel Barrera, and Andrew and Madilyn Nelson. She also has eight great-grandchildren. 

She dearly loved her two surviving siblings, Thomas Wake and LaVerne (Wake) Amidei.

Donna took great pride in raising her family while working a full-time job and keeping an impeccably clean and comfortable home. She was revered by her co-workers and nominated a leader to represent them as a Teamsters Union Steward during her long career.

She had a voracious appetite for reading, loved to garden and enjoyed cooking for her family. Donna also had numerous hobbies through the years including knitting and crocheting. She was a big fan of Ohio sports teams including the Cleveland Indians and Cavaliers.

Donna will be greatly missed by all her family and friends who knew her wry humor, hearty laugh and special hugs. May she rest in peace while we wait to embrace her once again.

Her family extends their heartfelt gratitude for the amazing love and care she received at the Willow Brook Christian Village nursing home in her final years.