Donna R. Smith
December 16, 1943 ~ November 8, 2021
Donna R. Smith, 77, Indianapolis, passed away November 8, 2021. Donna was born December 16, 1943, in Indianapolis, to the late Leo and Juanita Janette (Curl) Kukulski.
After graduating from high school in Chicago, the family relocated to Indianapolis. She married the late Richard G. Smith on September 12, 1964, and he preceded her in death on January 29, 2005. Donna served as the secretary at Roncalli High School for 46 years, retiring in 2018. Roncalli was much more than a job for Donna. She loved everything Roncalli had to offer – students, faculty, staff, parents, and families. She would not miss working Friday night football games and much earlier on, she was a mainstay for Roncalli Bingo on Tuesday nights. Additionally, Donna was a loyal and active parishioner at St. Jude Catholic Church. Above all, her family was her first priority. Donna was a loving and caring mother, but her role as grandma was one she truly loved. Donna’s memory will be cherished by a loving family, students, and many friends.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Donna was preceded in death by siblings, Frankie Leo Kukulski, Alice Wolfe, and Judith Bacher.
Survivors include children, Rich (Melissa) Smith, Diana (Jackie) Butcher, and Jimmy Smith; grandchildren, Erica (Cody) Freeman, Jordan (Seth) Nycum, Nick (Ashley) Smith, Brandon, Chad and Taylor Butcher, Jacy and Jana Smith; great grandchildren, Haily and Zoe Freeman, Ryder Messmore, Cooper Freeman, Oliver and Archer Nycum, and Atlas Smith.
Donna’s Life Celebration® Visitation will be Sunday, November 14, 2021, 2 to 6 p.m., at the O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 S. East Street, Indianapolis. Morning prayers will begin at 9:30 a.m., Monday, November 15, 2021, at the funeral home. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Monday, in St. Jude Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dick and Donna Smith Memorial Scholarship at Roncalli by going to https://giving.roncalli.org/#portfolioModal1.
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Wow, there are so many memories to share, especially the first time we really became friends and got to know each other when you made fun of my son‘s name and my brothers… We bonded immediately and the laughter began… You are near and dear to my heart. You brought such joy into my life and into my home and into Roncalli High School! Heaven gained an extraordinary angel today…I love you Donna Rae Smith!!! I know you so look forward to seeing your husband, Dick, in heaven! I’m sure he greeted you with open arms. You will be missed! Donna Marie Williams “double trouble with the Donna’s”…And her handsome son Dylan, Tyler or whatever name you chose to call him… XOXO
Your Mom was so kind to me and all my family! May she rest in peace. She will be Jesus’ #1 Personal Secretary! God bless all who loved her. Bonnie Schott
Aunt Donna, I came into the Smith family around 1993 and married in, in 1995. You ALWAYS made me feel welcome, loved and cared for. You were one of the kindest, Godliest people I knew!! Rest in Heaven and give Uncle Dick a huge hug from me when he meets you at the pearly gates in heaven! Love you and will miss you ߙϰߏۢݤ️ߒ”
You have always given me so much love since we first met. You will always have a special place in my heart! I will miss you very much.
May the peace that comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Dianna, I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Ruth Anne Wagner
Sorry for you loss. Keeping you and your family in our thoughts.
Donna was like a second Mom to me. She worked side by side with my Mom for over 25 years. I’m glad I went to see her at Greenwood Village South this summer. At that time she was wonderful. We talked about all the pictures of her kids, grandchildren and Dick. She told me Chuck Weisenbach had recently been to visit. When I asked her if she remembered working in the office with my Mom she replied “what do you think I am? Some kind of idiot?” I said “Oh goodness no Donna. I’m the idiot and forget things all the time. I assumed you were like me!” I told her how much I lived her ever time I saw her. I promised her Donny and I would come get her and take her to dinner. I’m sorry that never happened. I know she is at peace with our Lord and her Dick. ߙϰߏ» Meg Huck Byrne
Donna, always had a smile on her face when I came into the office. She was always so helpful with whatever needed a “fix. “
Always in our prayers. We love you. Robyn, Corbin, Cameron , Casey Smith, and Rich and Gerri Sobieray.
Donna was there throughout our ten children’s journeys through Roncalli plus numerous grandchildren. We saw each other so often we called each other “sister”. How could anyone know her and not love her? May she rest in the arms of her God.
Donna was remarkable in so many ways. First, she loved her role as mom and grandma. Her life was her family. She was such a perfect partner and wife to Dick. Both of their laughs were infectious. They were one of the best neighbors we have had our entire lives. You always felt welcome at the Smith’s. Our deepest condolences on the loss of Donna.
Whenever a staff member had a new baby, an important part was bringing the baby into the office for Donna to hold, hug, and welcome into the Roncalli family. She was such a loving, kind, and thoughtful person. Our entire family loved her!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQ8UmbPkqZU
Donna was such a go-to for our daughter Kaitlin when she was at Roncalli and going thru cancer treatments. She always knew she could go to Donna for a hug, an “excuse ” or a big smile. She sure made it easy on us as parents also to know she alwayshad an extra grandma with her at school every day . Watch over us Don a and give my girl a big hug from usߒڰߒš
Donna was a good friend who I had the privilege of knowing. She was a blessing to so many. My condolences to her children who I taught many years ago. May God grant you His peace.
I think about you, I care about you, I pray for you in my heart.