Donna Lee Brown

Donna Lee Brown passed away on October 28, 2025, at Millers Merry Manor in Garrett, IN. at the age of 82, She was born on January 13, 1943, in Steubenville, OH, the daughter of the late John M. and Helen Bartolvich.

Donna graduated from Weir High School in Weirton, WV. She attended modeling school in Pittsburgh, PA after high school. In her early 20s, Donna moved to California where she worked at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft Corporation in an administrative role, and also did some part-time work in cosmetic retail. During that period, she started a family. In the late 70s, the family moved to the Fort Wayne, IN area to be closer to other family members. Living in the Fort Wayne area, she worked as an Administrator at Harborside Health Care and Stauss Associates. Outside of work, she was actively involved with her family. She has always expressed an interest in politics, a passion for dogs and socializing with friends. Donna was active in the Fort Wayne Chapter of the Psi Iota Xi Sorority and later in life, enjoyed golf with friends, and playing both pickleball and Bingo.

She is survived by her husband, Richard S. Brown of Auburn, IN; sons, John (Leigh) Roberson of Fort Wayne, IN, Joel (Michelle) Roberson of Huntsville, AL, and Kraig (Susan) Brown of Sparta, WI; daughter, Kayle (Chris) Koepke of New York, NY; sisters, Helen Roberson of Lakewood, CA, and Barbie (Jim) Lancia of Fort Wayne, IN, sister-in law, Debbie Bartolovich of Michigan; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by her brother, John Bartolovich.

We love you and will miss you dearly. You will live within us always – until the day we are reunited in heaven. May Jesus, and all the faithfully departed loved ones, greet you with open arms.

Celebration of life will be 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at D.O. McComb and Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home, 4017 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, IN, with a gathering at 9:30 until time of service.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.