Donna Jean Fate

Donna Jean Fate, of Tiffin, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the age of 94.

She was born in Tiffin on February 22, 1932, to William Shuey and Pauline (Hamrick) DeTray. On October 20, 1951, she married Bernard Joseph “Bud” Fate Jr. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Tiffin. He preceded her in death on August 1, 1997. She was also preceded in death by her parents; three infant children; and two brothers, Richard and Paul (Jean) DeTray.

Donna is survived by her four daughters: Michele (Michael) Riley and Kathleen (Dale) McKee, both of Tiffin; Diane (Charles) Ziegler of Mechanicsburg, Ohio; and Amy (Bill) Pollock of Las Vegas, Nevada. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Natalie (Jeff) Pendell, Adam (Aleksandra) Riley, Sara (Erik) Bame, Zachary (Emily Cullinan) Ziegler, Nicholas (Kaci) Ziegler, Paige Ziegler, and Joseph Ziegler; and six great-grandchildren: Carlin, Annika, Dylan, Aiden, Jarrett, and Ellie.

Donna was a 1949 graduate of Columbian High School. She worked for many years at Whirlpool Corporation in Findlay before retiring in 1998. She was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and the YMCA, and she was an avid bridge player. Donna also enjoyed playing cards with her family, gardening, and traveling.

One of her greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She especially loved cheering them on at their many athletic events and attending their theater productions. A devoted prayer warrior, Donna offered daily prayers for everyone on her prayer list, faithfully adding new intentions each day.

Friends and family may visit from 4–7 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at Traunero Funeral Home and Crematory, 214 S. Monroe St., Tiffin, Ohio 44883.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. The Rosary will be recited 30 minutes prior to the Mass.

Memorial contributions may be made to Calvert Catholic Schools or given to the family in support of those in need at Christmas through Christmas Angels, one of Donna’s favorite charities.

To send condolences or view the tribute video, please visit www.traunerofuneralhome.com.