Donna Doonan

Donna M. Doonan, 67, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida passed away peacefully on Sunday,
October 17, 2021, after a recent battle with colon cancer. Donna was born September 22,
1954 to James and Rita Doonan (Robertson) in Cape May Courthouse, NJ. Donna grew up in
Wildwood, New Jersey, a place she loved and cherished. A graduate of Wildwood Catholic
High School, Donna went on the earn her bachelor’s degree and Master of Education from the
University of Lynchburg. A former college women’s basketball coach at Ferrum College (VA),
she currently was the owner and operator of Sunshine Teacher’s Insurance Company in
Pompano Beach, Florida.

Donna was predeceased by her father, James Doonan, her mother, Rita Doonan, her sisters
Anne Doonan and Alice Dougherty, her brothers James Doonan and Joseph Doonan, and
brothers-in-law Robert Taylor and George Dougherty. The youngest of seven children, Donna
is survived by her sister Rita Taylor and brother Thomas Doonan (Diane), sister-in-law
Dorothy Doonan and her best friend and life companion Kelly Caputo. Donna is the Aunt to
19 special nieces and nephews and 25 great nieces and nephews who referred to her as “The
Great” Aunt Donna. She cherished her family and the special relationship she had with each
of them.

Donna spent 29 years living her dream of coaching basketball. As the Head Women’s
Basketball Coach at Ferrum College, she led her teams to conference and regional
championships and participation in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championships. A pioneer
in women’s athletics, she also served as the Senior Women’s Administrator as well as an
assistant professor of the College of Physical Education and Recreation. Donna served on the
NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball committee, chairing the selection committee in 2000.
She was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 2006. The friendships that she formed over the
years through coaching her player, the colleagues that she worked with, the coaches she
competed against at other colleges and universities, and all those associated with game of
women’s basketball (even the officials) created lasting memories that she cherished. Her
closest friend Susan Dunagan was her biggest rival. They battled it out on the court year after
year and remained the best of friends despite the outcome of the game. Her impact in the
game of women’s basketball and athletics is reflected in the success her players have had as
strong female leaders in their communities. She was proud that 100% of her players
graduated from college. Her fierce competitiveness and support of her players is only
overshadowed by the love and caring she had for them as a person.
Donna retired from coaching and teaching in 2005 and relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida
where she focused her talent on helping teachers create financial security. She was
passionate about making the world a better place by helping others. A generous and caring
person, Donna gave freely of her time to anyone that needed a helping hand.

Always a Jersey Girl, services will be held on Monday, November 22, 2021 at Saint Ann’s
Catholic Church in Wildwood, NJ. Family visitation will be at 10 am followed by a memorial
mass.

In lieu of flowers, Donna has requested that donations be made to Wildwood Catholic
Academy. 1500 Central Avenue, North Wildwood, NJ 08260

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