Donna Marie Messner's Obituary
Donna Marie Messner, 63, of Fort Myers, FL, passed away at home surrounded by her family on Monday, June 27, 2022 after a fierce and hard-fought battle with pancreatic cancer.
Donna was born in Fort Madison, Iowa on January 10, 1959, and moved to SW FL in 1963. She graduated from Riverdale High School in 1977 and was employed by the Florida Department of Health from the age of 17 until her retirement after 38 years of service. Donna was smart, dependable, and built an admirable career for herself.
Donna married Steve in 1984 and had two children, Brett and Shannon, who reside in the Fort Myers area. She loved being a Nana to her grandkids, gardening succulents and orchids, shopping with her daughter, and margaritas, especially with Steve and friends in Key West.
Donna led with her actions and not her words. She was fiercely devoted to her family and loved ones, taking great pride in their achievements. She valiantly fought without ever complaining just so that she "could have as long as possible with her grandbabies."
Donna is survived by her husband, Steve Mark Messner; children Brett T. (Leigha) Messner and Shannon T. Messner; granddaughters, Savannah (Brett) Messner and Chandler (Brett) Messner; siblings, Vicki Salladay (sister), Kenny Salladay (brother) and Debbie Whitney (sister).
She will be forever in our hearts and memories.
A private ceremony will be held at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens. A celebration of life for friends and family to follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Donna's memory to The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at the following site: https://secure.pancan.org/site/Donation2?df_id=2681&mfc_pref=T&2681.donation=form1
To share a story or photo, leave a tribute or to offer condolences to the family at this difficult time please visit Donna's memorial webpage located at www.fortmyersmemorial.com and sign her guestbook.
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