A true Christmas angel, Donna moved to Boulder from Illinois as an infant with her parents Jerry and Ruby Brasel, and her older sisters, Jo and Ginna. Donna, or "Nonnie" (as her Dad dubbed her and she would later be known to her grandkids) grew up on Mapleton Hill sledding down Pine Street, climbing Red Rocks, and catching her favorite westerns at Boulder Theater with her younger sister Jerrie.
As a Campfire Girl, she fell in love with horses, and cheering as a Pom Pom Girl at Boulder High introduced her to football. Who knew, when she pledged Pi Phi at CU that she'd meet her future husband, Gar y, building a homecoming float with the Delts? Fast forward and she's Mom to Kirsten (Jeff) and Erika (Craig) and killing it as the World's Best Mom. Living in CT, CA, and part-time in NH opened a whole new world of NYC culture, sailing, beach life, tennis, and avocados! It also introduced her to beautiful, lifelong friends who fostered her quick-witted, sarcastic sense of humor. But, her beloved Boulder beckoned, and she and Gar y returned to their forever home when Gar y retired early from IBM.
Remember her love for horses? It didn't take long, once back in Boulder, for the perfect volunteer gig to appear: the Colorado Therapeutic Riding Center would become her "happy place" for the next 35+ years. She loved everything about CTRC, continuing to support riders, muck stalls, feed and care for horses, and do whatever else was needed all the way until she turned 80.
Ever modest and humble, even though Donna received multiple awards, including Volunteer of the Year for the region and a Lifetime Achievement award, she always said, "I think the therapy is more for me than the riders". She was a giver, deeply dedicated to many other charities as well, especially those that champion animal welfare, a woman's right to choose, and environmental protection. You can rest easy, knowing that the elephants in Africa and many neglected dogs and cats are probably thriving due to her generosity.
She traveled the world, always looking forward to exploring new places and especially trying new foods - the spicier, the better. Just like her sense of humor. Her brilliant smile lit up the room, but it was her wit and humor that drew people even closer.
Nonnie also enjoyed a good expletive, and she didn't hesitate to use one if her cherished CU Buffs weren't playing well. A long-time devoted fan and tailgater, she loved her Buffs. We are grateful to Mom's guardian angels of the last few months, David and Holly.
Predeceased by her parents, her sisters Jo and Jerrie and brother-in-law Don, as well as her beloved Neko, Trompo and Choice at CTRC, she leaves behind her soulmate of 64 years, Gary, her daughters and sons-in-law, her sister Ginna and brother-in-law Tim, and her beautiful nieces and nephews. She has also left her sweet dog Moki, whom she adored like a third daughter. But, her most significant legacies will be her grandson Kellan and granddaughter Rachel, whom she loved beyond words and through whom her humor and love for animals continue to shine brightly.
The world was brighter with Donna/Nonnie in it. And, weren't we lucky to have been part of it? In her words, folks, "Stay safe, stay sane."