Elizabeth Loer Donaldson

Betty, Liz, Mom, and Mémé as she was known to many, Elizabeth Loer Donaldson was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on March 3, 1936 to Jeannette Harris Loer and James Edwin Loer, Sr. and died on January 23, 2026 in her natal city. She was eighty-nine.

Liz began her lifelong education at the James Whitcomb Riley School (PS 43), before entering in 1950 Shortridge High School. Following in her mother’s footsteps, she enrolled at Smith College, where she majored in art history and earned her B.A. in 1958.

Upon returning to Indianapolis she became a Junior League docent at the John Heron Art Institute. Around that time she attended a fateful Marott Hotel tea dance where she met Weber D. Donaldson, Jr. Five years later they married at the Tabernacle Presbyterian Church. They relocated to Bloomington, Indiana, where she obtained her masters in art history from Indiana University.

Joining her husband in New Orleans, LA, where he pursued an academic career at Tulane University, she raised two children: Andrew and Amy. Amid her duties as a devoted wife and mother, Liz trained and became a reading specialist at Ursuline Academy and was a fierce advocate for preserving the quaint settings of Uptown. An aficionado of fine art, dance, as well as classical music, Liz relished numerous concerts, operas, and exhibitions.

While in her 50’s Liz studied computer science at Tulane and later entered the university’s Freeman School of Business, earning an MBA. She became a certified public accountant for Arthur Andersen and later, private clients. After Hurricane Katrina, she and her husband relocated to Indianapolis.

As a voracious reader, she led a book club and was a member of The Portfolio Club, Smith Club, Junior League, and Woodstock Club.

Liz is survived by her husband of 62 years, Web of Indianapolis; brother James E. Loer, Jr. (Stephanie) of Dartmouth, MA; daughter Amy (Michael Selz) of New York, NY, daughter-in-law Marybeth of Jersey City, NJ; grandchildren Benjamin, Audrey, Christopher, and Claire; nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her parents and son, Andrew.

She will be deeply missed by family and many friends.

In accordance with Liz’s wishes she has been cremated and preferred not to have a funeral, memorial service, or celebration of life. Please, no flowers. Instead, please consider a donation to a charity in Liz’s name.