Donna S. Kavanaugh

Donna Segari Kavanaugh, 82 of Covington passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on December 10, 1943 in Pineville, LA to the late Louis Anthony Segari II & Virginia Bullard Segari. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband of 50 years, William “Bill” A. Kavanaugh; siblings, Marilyn Daigre, and Joe Segari.

Donna grew up in Pineville, graduating from Bolton High School. After high school Donna went to Northwestern Louisiana State University, received her degree in education and started teaching first graders in New Orleans . It was in New Orleans that a mutual friend introduced Donna to her husband, Bill to whom she was married for 50 years before his passing. Together after a brief time in Baton Rouge, they moved to Mandeville where Donna taught in the Louisiana public school system. Donna taught multiple grades for a few years until she finally settled on 4th grade as her “home”; she always said she loved that age because they were excited about learning and still not old enough to be “too smart” to listen to the teacher. Eventually Donna earned her master’s degree in reading education and became one of the first resource helping teachers in the St. Tammany Parish school system. Later she went on to become an assistant principal at Tchefuncte Middle School in Mandeville where she helped with curriculum and teacher development. She loved her work and was a dedicated educator, mentor, and assistant principal for over 35 years.

In addition to her professional life, Donna was a lifetime member of Beta Sigma Phi, a philanthropic sorority for women in which she served various roles for over 50 years. Donna enjoyed the leadership roles and social connections through her sisters and the many events they hosted in the community. Donna was an exceptional cook and some of the family favorites were red beans and rice and her hot pepper jelly. She loved giving out gifts of hot pepper jelly to friends and family at Christmas. Her daughter regularly requested multiple jars at Christmas time.

In her later years, Donna began quilting and was always creating new quilts for family and friends; people loved her unique designs and it was a treasure to receive a baby quilt, wedding quilt, or even a t-shirt quilt made with love. She also loved volunteering at the Northshore Food Bank in her retirement years to give back to the community. Never one to sit around for long, she kept herself active with activities and adventures to keep her spirit ALIVE! If you knew Donna, you knew her strong will and take-charge attitude, but she also enjoyed quiet times just reading or being with family and friends. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Donna is survived by her loving daughter, Carla Virginia (Alexander Francis) Filla; grandchildren, John Michael Filla, Gabriella Marie Filla, Cecilia Grace (Kevin Patrick) Syrigos, Sebastian Paul Filla, Damian Alexander Filla, and Anastasia Kate Filla; great granddaughter, Jessica Mae Syrigos; siblings, Louis Anthony (Viola Duhon) Segari III and John “Johnny” Segari. Donna also leaves behind to cherish her memory a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and extended family.

A Rosary will be recited at 5:30 pm on Friday, August 21, 2026 at the Grace Funeral Home (450 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington, LA). Visitation will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026 from 6 pm until 8 pm at the Grace Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at The Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Covington (501 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington, LA). Graveside services will be privately at a later date at St. Lazarus of Bethany Memorial Garden.

The family would like to offer gratitude to the many friends and family that helped care for Donna during her final months. A special thanks to Halie Moore, owner of Amada Senior Care of Covington and all of her staff and caregivers for the love and compassion they gave Donna