Donna Lee Blakeley

Passed away peacefully at home under Hospice care after an 8 year battle with ovarian cancer. Born on August 29, 1946, in Paterson, N.J. she moved to St Petersburg with her family in 1960.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wallace and Dorothy Messenger and brother Skip Messenger.

Donna is survived by her loving husband of 54 years Loren Blakeley, sisters Jeanne Bruggeman (Ken), Judy Heinchon, St Petersburg, Darlene Vasquez (Milton) Round Rock, Tx, brother Rick Messenger (Fran), Townsend, Tn and her precious cat Trixi. Also surviving are nephew and godson Thom Chamberlain (Kara) and many other nieces, nephews and cousins.

A 1964 graduate of Dixie Hollins, she attended SPJC and retired from G.E./ Lockheed Martin after 27 years in personnel and security administration.

Donna started her own pet sitting business, Cat Calls Sitting Service, in 1993 through 2016. She wrote articles for Paradise News, National Association of Professional Pet Sitters and had her own newsletter to her many clients.

Donna loved her family and many friends, was passionate about animal welfare and environmental protection, architectural design, garden design and gardening, PBS programs, the Beatles, Elvis, Sting, Paul Simon, Bonnie Raitt, Jude Law, civil rights and human rights (a proud democrat). She was also an avid reader of Ian Fleming’s James Bond books, Jane Austen, Beatrix Potter, James Herrriot, Susan Branch, Doris Kearns Goodwin and a variety of other authors of interest.

Donna made the world a better place and will forever be remembered by everyone she knew.

If you wish, donations may be made locally to Pet Pal, Friends of Strays or Best Friends Animal Society, 5001 Angel Canyon Rd, Kanab, Ut 84741.