Donna C. Brzenk

February 27, 1945 - August 9, 2017

Donna Carol Blankenship Brzenk of Chesterfield, Missouri passed away August 9, 2017 at the age of 72. She was born in Essex, Missouri to Lanora and O.D. Blankenship. She is survived by her dear husband of 51 years, Richard S. Brzenk; her loving daughter Nicole Alexa and son-in-law Jeffrey Retych; granddaughter Talia Jade Retych and grandson Rylan Kai Retych; her sister, Judi Brey; her brothers Stanley (Diane) Blankenship and Steve (Teresa) Blankenship; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Donna spent a wonderful childhood growing up on the farm. A move to Cape Girardeau, MO afforded Donna the opportunity to form a lifelong friendship with Teri McCarthy. In high school, Teri introduced Donna to Rich Brzenk and their journey in life together began. Rich and Donna were married on June 11, 1966 at St. Vincent's Parish in Cape Girardeau. Three years later they welcomed their daughter Nicole into their lives. Donna received a Bachelor of Arts from SIU-Edwardsville in Speech Pathology. While teaching, she continued her education and received a Master of Science in Communication at Fontbonne University. Rich's career took them to Pittsburgh, PA where she worked as Diagnostic Evaluator for the School District. Seven years later, they relocated to South Bend, IN where she continued her teaching career and volunteered at the Basilica at Notre Dame. In 2000, Donna and Rich returned to Chesterfield, MO where she continued working for several years before retiring from full time teaching. Her unselfish desire to always help others continued throughout her retirement days as she volunteered at St. Luke's Hospital and also in the Rockwood School District in the English as a Second Language Program. In addition, she volunteered at Ascension Parish in the Cancer Companions Support Group. She found great reward in working with and helping others. Her enthusiasm for these organizations was remarkable. Donna was a devoted Grandmother and cherished countless activities with Talia and Rylan. Her love and appreciation of family and dear friends was the joy of her life. If you were fortunate enough to have Donna as a friend, you were extremely blessed. Her gift of celebrating not only the big events in life, but also the casual get togethers were extra special with Donna. She filled her days with cards, games, and any activity that brought her together with those she loved and was always busy planning her next adventure. Donna's deep appreciation and love of the arts, nature, life and her faith only added to her beauty. Services: Visitation Friday, August 25, 5-7pm at Buchholz Mortuary West, 2211 Clarkson Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017. Memorial Mass Saturday, August 26, 1:30pm at Ascension Catholic Church, 230 Santa Maria Drive, Chesterfield, MO 63005 with a Celebration of Life from 3-5pm same day at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, 16625 Swingley Ridge Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Missouri Botanical Gardens Tribute Fund in Memory of Donna Brzenk, PO BOX 299, St. Louis, Missouri 63166-0299 or the charity of your choice.