In Memoriam
Donna Aikens Sabo, age 87 of Perry, Ohio died Dec. 17, 2020. She was with family and under the loving care of the Hospice House in Euclid. Donna was born Nov. 1, 1933 in Youngstown, PA. She grew up in Midland, PA, graduating as salutatorian of her high school class and went on to graduate from The Pennsylvania State University. She was an avid fan and supporter, right down to her PSUGRAD license plate. Donna taught high school English in Beaver Falls Pennsylvania, and following her move to Ohio, taught at Shaker Heights, Painesville (Riverside), and Madison. Donna was a founding member of Sabo‘s Woodside Nursery. She kept the books and peace between Jim and Brian. She followed her passion for educating children even during her time off from teaching to raise her sons, by serving two terms on the Madison School Board, including several years as President. Donna married James E. Sabo of Painesville on Aug. 15, 1959 in Midland, PA, during a heat wave in a church without air conditioning, yet the stories only spoke of a beautiful wedding. Donna and Jim lived most of their lives in Madison, Ohio, in the home Jim built that they designed together. As the years passed, they enjoyed many winters in The Villages, Florida. Donna balanced teaching, tending her two sons, membership in the Western Reserve Junior Service League with helping many charitable endeavors. She was an active member of her book club and thrived on the challenges and successes of her five granddaughters; they were her passion and joy. A loyal friend, smart with a keen memory, and incredibly courageous. She stood up to power and never shied away from adversity. Once she set her mind to something, you knew she would accomplish it. She was a huge sports fan, her Nittany Lions were her first love, but she could name the starting quarterback for every NFL team and tell you which coaches should be relieved of their duties. She lived in a Buckeye household, but “We are Penn State” was heard on a frequent basis. Donna was preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth Petrosky Aikens, father, Claire Aikens and brother, Ronald. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Jim, sons Tim, (Linda), (Lincoln, NE), and Brian, (Barb) (Madison, OH), granddaughters Kristen (Portland, OR), Jamie (Baltimore, MD), Kylie (LA, CA), Caroline and Rebecca (Madison, OH). Donna’s final resting place will be the Fairview Memorial Cemetery in Madison, OH. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Hospice of Western Reserve, 300 E 185th Street, Cleveland, OH 44119. DUCRO FUNERAL Services and CREMATORY,4524 Elm Avenue, Ashtabula, Ohio is assisting the family. To plant a tree in memory of Donna Sabo, please visit www.ducro.com
26 The Buckeye
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