Donna Jean Berriman
Donna Jean Berriman of Falls Church, Virginia, passed away on January 7, 2022, at the age of 69.
Preceded in death by her parents, Robert F. Berriman and Dorothy (Potts) Berriman, she is survived by
her sister, Barbara A. Hormel (Timothy L.), niece, Jordan L. Rasmussen (Marc G.), an aunt and multiple
cousins.
Born on July 30, 1952, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, Donna graduated from Richland High School then
acquired a Bachelor’s Degree in mathematics at the University of Pittsburgh, Johnstown campus. She
spent most of her adult years in Virginia working as a technical writer and editor, twenty of those for
Federal Government projects. Her perfectionism served her well in her career.
A tireless supporter of animal rights, Donna’s countless letters to representatives, petitions, donations
and attendance at conferences helped to expose horrific practices and enact laws to end abuses from
the food industry to cosmetic testing and medical laboratories. She spent 20 years rescuing and
adopting domestic rats, providing them wonderful homes. They gave her enormous pleasure – they
were her “kids”. Trick-or-treaters had quite a story to tell about the lady who answered the door in a
witch’s hat with a live rat on her shoulder!
She loved being with friends, and they loved being with her. Donna had a wonderful wit and spread
laughter wherever she went. Favorite pastimes were movies (particularly documentaries) and reading
the Washington Post. You’d often find her in the kitchen solving a crossword puzzle – even better with a
lemon mini bundt cake! In her younger days she was a competitive ballroom dancer, hand making a few
of her own beautiful gowns. She cherished time with family and would be the first to the table for a
card game or a jig-saw puzzle.
Donna only knew kindness. She would be the first to welcome a new neighbor. When she offered to
lend a hand or perform a favor, hers were not empty words. She didn’t send thanks, birthday wishes or
condolences by email, but in thoughtfully handwritten cards and letters. She never forgot someone’s
special day. She was light, humor, beauty, intelligence, compassion and truth. She was a real and honest
friend; those who became close to her received a marvelous gift.
May she be at peace.
Special thanks to friends and neighbors for their tremendous outpouring of love and support for Donna
and family over the past years; to the in-home caregivers for their compassion and gentleness; to Good
Samaritan Hospice for their expertise and availability.
In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to SAEN (Stop Animal Exploitation Now) at
saenonline.org, or Good Samaritan Hospice at goodsam.care.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.
