Donna Mae Robinson

Donna Mae (Deffenbaugh) Robinson was born on August 19, 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska to Fred and Irene (Parr) Deffenbaugh. She grew up in Omaha where she attended Columbia grade school and graduated from Omaha Central High School in 1942 where she was voted “sweetest girl”. As a young girl, Donna enjoyed acting, music, Mariner Girl Scouts and performing in high school plays. Donna went on to attend college at Lindenwood College and the University of Wisconsin. Donna met Edward Robinson, Jr. in 1942 on a river barge where he was a lifeguard. He offered to take her picture and got a date. They were married on June 29, 1946 at the home of her parents. Donna and Ed were blessed with four children: Doug, twins Sara and Sandra and Rob. They have always made their home in Waterloo, living on Lincoln Street for over 60 years. The Robinson family had a long history in the seed business and when Donna joined she soon became active in supporting the business as the wife of the President of The J.C. Robinson Seed Company. She was a member of the board of director for decades. Donna traveled all over the US with her husband Ed to represent the company and later she and Ed traveled for their own enjoyment abroad. Donna was active in her community as a member of the Waterloo Women’s club, PTA, and various roles in the Waterloo Presbyterian Church. In later years she attended the 2nd Church of Christian Science. Her love of the reading lead to a long stint as a member of the Waterloo Library board and time as it’s president. In 2004 Donna, Ed and the family created a gift that built a new library in Waterloo, the Agnes Robinson Waterloo Public Library, one of Donna’s proudest achievements. While Donna was an educated, active and highly skilled woman, she made the choice to focus on her family, providing a wonderful home for her husband and children. But her talents stretched far beyond. She loved acting, art, reading and music. She was a city girl who fell in love with outdoor activities like camping, boating, watching birds and gardening. Donna was always a lady; elegant, smiling, meticulous, organized and generous. So many will remember being the recipient of one of her thoughtfully worded, hand written thank you notes. She was a life long learner, forever inquisitive. Donna enjoyed the renaissance and impressionist art, the music of Beethoven, Wagner and Gershwin and dinner at Hiro’s. Her home was always a welcoming place except for dogs and children with muddy shoes. Donna passed away on Friday, May 13, 2011 at Lakeside Hospital in Omaha, Nebraska with her family by her side at the age of 85 years, 8 months and 24 days. She was preceded in death by her young sister Doris and her parents Fred and Irene. Donna is survived by her husband Edward T. Jr.; sons and daughters-in-law Doug and Gina of Omaha and Rob and Cheryl of Elkhorn; daughters and sons-in-law Sara and Gil Ziff of New York City, NY and Sandy and Marty Blount of W. Des Moines, IA; 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson; sister Dorothy Anderson of Eugene, Oregon. Robinson, Donna Age 85 Waterloo, NE. Donna is remembered for her passion for art, music, reading and love of family. Survived by husband Edward T. Jr.; sons and daughters-in-law Doug and Gina of Omaha and Rob and Cheryl of Elkhorn; daughters and sons-in-law Sara and Gil Ziff of New York City, NY and Sandra and Martin Blount of W. Des Moines, IA; 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandson; sister Dorothy Anderson of Eugene, OR. visitation Monday noon-8pm with family receiving friends from 6-8pm. Funeral Tuesday 10:30am all at the funeral home. Interment Prospect Hill Cemetery . Memorials to the Waterloo Library, checks payable to Fremont Area Community Foundation, attention Robinson Waterloo Library, 605 N. Broad St. Box 182 Fremont, NE 68026). Condolences to www.reichmuthfuneralhomes.com REICHMUTH FUNERAL HOME 21901 West Maple 402-289-2222

Donna Mae Robinson

August 19, 1925 - May 13, 2011