Donna Jean Sphar
Donna Jean Sphar, 86, of Salem, Virginia, but formerly of Olmsted Falls, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 23, 2024. Born in Finleyville, Pa., February 16, 1937, to the late Albert and Irene Bigi Tomko, she is also preceded in death by a sister, Merrily Sobotka.
Donna Jean Sphar was a kind, loving, intelligent woman whose ready smile and caring nature brought joy to the lives of everyone she knew.
Jean was a talented artist, hand painting watercolor cards for dozens of recipients every Christmas. Her skills at decorating wedding cakes were in high demand, gifts she gave to friends and family for no charge. She was an accomplished pianist, playing hymns at chapel service for the Olmsted Community Church, in Ohio, for many years.
Jean’s patient, gentle disposition was put to good use as a nursery school teacher at Olmsted Community Preschool for thirty years. She and Bob were actively involved in the local chapter of AFS, the American Field Service, hosting several international high school students over the years.
Jean was an avid camper and outdoor adventurer, leading the family on long road trips out west to visit National Parks in an Apache tent camper, and, when her two boys were old enough to carry their own equipment, on wilderness backpacking trips through the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
Jean was intelligent and well informed. She was a prolific reader, an expert crossword puzzler, and a savvy opponent at "Spite and Malice."
Those left to cherish her memory are her loving and devoted husband of 63 years, Robert A. Sphar; sons, William C. Sphar and wife, Anne, and Steven Sphar and wife, Linda McAtee; grandchildren, Colin Sphar and Shannon Sphar, as well as a sister, Ann Marie Paci.
The family will welcome friends on Saturday, January 27, 2024, in the Upper Parlor of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Services will be held at a later date in her home state of Pennsylvania.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.johnmoakey.com.
