| Notes |
- Curlew Hills Memory Gardens Funeral Home, 25 January 2024
Donna Bass
Donna Bass, née Staelens, 83, a woman whose laughter was as infectious as her spirit was indomitable, took her final curtain call on January 23, 2024. Born on October 4, 1940, in Geneva, IL, Donna spent her life spreading joy and humor like it was confetti at a parade. She departed this stage from Dunedin, FL, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter that will echo through the ages.
Donna was the matriarch of a vibrant family that could have easily filled a sitcom with their adventures and misadventures. She is lovingly remembered by her children: Brenda Bass Mullis (husband Michael) of Palm Harbor, Teresa Kirk (husband Bruce) of Pembroke Pines, Ernie Bass (wife Pam) of Dunedin, and Ronald Bass (wife Renee) of Emporia. Her grandchildren-Haylee Mullis, Kristen Fritz, Abby Mullis, Rylan Fritz, Travis Ames, Christina Ames, Ryan Bass, Austin Bass, Parker Bass, Abigail Orlandi, Meloney Brazzola, and Jessica Bass-were her live studio audience, always ready to be entertained by her antics. And let's not forget the encore of 12 great-grandchildren, who were Donna's biggest fans. Her nieces and nephews-Starr Meiser (Andy Meiser), Roger Newsome, Kevin Newsome, Kenny Newsome, Kelly Newsome, Bertha Fry, Bernice Haskins, Shirley Bradley, and great-niece Angela Meiser-knew her as the cool aunt who could turn any frown upside down. Donna was the family's North Star, guiding them through life's ups and downs with a joke always at the ready.
She's now joined her late parents, Joseph and Bertha Staelens; her beloved husband, Ernest Bass; sisters, Shirley Newsome and Gloria Dahlenbug; and brother, Douglas Ford, no doubt keeping them in stitches somewhere beyond the stars.
A pillar of the First Lutheran Church of Clearwater, Donna was devout in her faith. Donna's passion for bowling was legendary. A proud member of the 500 Club, she bowled over the competition and pins alike, all with her trademark grin and a quip for every strike (and spare).
Described as loving, funny, daring, fearless and feisty, Donna faced life's challenges like she faced a 7-10 split: with determination and an optimistic chuckle, convinced that she'd find a way to knock it down. Her courage wasn't just in facing adversity but in her ability to find the humor in it, teaching us all that laughter truly is the best medicine.
Donna's life was a masterclass in comedy, where love was the punchline that never grew old. Her delivery was impeccable, her timing always perfect, and her ability to find the funny in the mundane was unmatched. She left us with a treasure trove of memories that will keep us laughing through our tears.
As the final spotlight dims on Donna's stage, we, her adoring audience, are left with the echo of her laughter and the warmth of her love. So, let's not say goodbye to Donna Bass; instead, let's give her a standing ovation for a performance that will forever be etched in our hearts. Curtain down, laughter forever.
A Celebration of Donna's Life will take place at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at Curlew Hills Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Donna's honor to HospiceFoundation.org and Alzheimer?s Association act.alz.org.
|
Bassett Family Association Database
1940 - 2024 (83 years)