Donna Delphine Smith

Smith, Donna D. Donna D. (Cramer) Smith, Age 91, of Minneapolis, passed away peacefully at her home and and in the presence of family on November 6, 2023. Born in Mankato, Minnesota, on April 30, 1932, to Delphine (Ward) and Marlow Cramer, Donna was a lifelong resident of Minnesota, educated in North Mankato and St. Peter, and residing in Rosemount for 42 years before moving to her home at The Kenwood retirement community in Minneapolis in 2007. Donna graduated from Mankato State College in 1954 and received her Master of Education Degree from the University of Minnesota in 1985. Beginning in 1970, Donna was part of the first cohort of special learning (SLBP) teachers hired in the Rosemount School District, working with hundreds of children over 26 years at the Rosemount Elementary and Thomas Lake Elementary Schools. Donna was an early adopter of computer technology, creating individualized lessons for her students and advising other teachers in her school on the opportunities afforded by the Apple IIe. Following her divorce in 1990, Donna met Stan Peterson through ballroom dance classes, and they became partners on and off the dance floor for 29 years. Stan and Donna shared many interests including family gatherings, camping, attending estate sales, and European travel. In later years, they enjoyed their many walks through the Kenwood neighborhood accompanied by their dogs, Scottie and Bonnie. Donna loved family and friends and she loved to laugh - particularly at herself. She was devoted to her son, Jim, and to her grandchildren, Arthur and Aletha, regaling them in their younger years with stories she created about Edgar the Worm and his friends. She also cherished her great grandchildren, Vance, Willam and Violet and her and Stan's entire extended family. Donna was predeceased by Stan in 2021 and Stan's daughter Nan. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Jim Smith and Betsy Gardella of Concord, MA, her grandchildren, Arthur Corea-Smith (Danielle) of Madison, NJ, and Aletha Tarn (Ellis) of Seattle, WA, and her former daughter-in-law, Darien Smith, of Concord, MA. Donna also is survived by Stan's son, Kris Peterson (Terry) of Coon Rapids, and by her former husband, Arthur Smith of Plymouth, and by many cousins and friends. Private services are being planned for the Spring of 2024. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development (https://www.cehd.umn.edu).

Tributes

Donna Delphine Smith

April 30, 1932 - November 6, 2023

Tributes

Donna Delphine Smith

April 30, 1932 - November 6, 2023

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