Anita Marie Donaldson

She was born to Leo F. and Anastasia Sebus, and raised in Kansas City.

She attended St. Vincent’s and St. James grade schools, followed by Lillis High School. She made many friends there that she stayed in touch with. She attended Mount St. Scholastica College, transferring to Creighton University for her last 2 years. She met Clifton “Pete” Donaldson while she was in college, and they married in 1968. After Pete passed away in 1987, she soldiered on as a single parent. She was entirely dedicated to her children, Jennifer and Brent.

Anita worked for the Missouri Division of Family Services as social worker, supervisor, and trainer nearly 30 years, retiring in 2000. She got a master’s in counseling in 1979 from UMKC while working and single parenting.

She had many hobbies – baking, singing, playing piano, & crafting. She loved music and served as a cantor and Sunday school music teacher at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Kansas City. She volunteered for many years playing piano at various nursing homes around town. She was a creative and a talented seamstress. She made her own wedding dress as well her daughter’s not to mention countless funny hats and trinkets.

It is believed she contracted polio from the Gillham Park swimming pool at age 6. Her leg was permanently paralyzed, confining her to the use of a brace and crutches. Physical disability was not something she dwelled on. She figured out her own solutions and did not let it hold her back. She never missed a school dance or one of her kids or grandkids’ events. She loved polka dots, the color pink, her dog Toto, antiques, decorating, tea parties and shopping. She was admired by all who met her for her tenacity and kindness. She made everyone feel welcome and loved.

She is survived by her children Dr. Jennifer (Dr. Tom) Kelley and Brentley (Melissa) Donaldson. She was known as “Amma” and cherished by her 5 grandchildren – Anastasia (20), Brynne (19) and Christopher (16) Kelley and Meyer (8) and Averine (6) Donaldson. Her brother, Leo (Pam) Sebus, and many loving nieces and nephews will forever miss her cookies!

Visitation will be held at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, 2 E. 75th St., K.C., MO 64114, on Saturday August 27 at 10am followed by Mass of Christian burial at 11am.