Donna Spanski (nee Dillinger), age 68, of Amherst, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017, after a sudden battle with cancer.

She was born on Feb. 12, 1948, in Uniontown, Pa., to James and Inez (nee Fike) Dillinger and graduated from Midview High School in 1966. She also attended Lorain County Community College for two years.

Donna served as the finance secretary at St. Joseph School in Amherst for the past four years. Prior to that, she was employed as an executive administrative assistant for over 10 years with the Lorain County Engineer's Office.

A women of great faith, Donna was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Amherst where she dedicated her time by serving on the Finance Council, Women's Renewal, Stewardship , RCIA, and as a eucharistic minister. She gave without expectations, and she worried more for others than her own self.

Donna was known for her bright sense of humor and giving nature. Those who knew her always received a hug of warmth with a smile. She enjoyed gardening, reading, theater, dancing, movies, and traveling. As her children were growing up, she not only attended all of their events, but was also a coach on numerous sporting teams that they were involved with. She loved her grandchildren and never missed the opportunity to go and cheer them on as she did for her own daughters as they were growing up.

Donna is survived by her daughters, Deanna (Jeff) Jenkins of Amherst, Denise (Jason) Andras of Florida, and Danielle (Bryan) Scheetz of Grafton; grandchildren Josh and Lauren Jenkins, Dominic Andras, and Jacob and Brooklynn Scheetz; father, James "Pappy" (Tina) Dillinger; brother, Tom Dillinger of Elyria; sister, Toni Akers of Amherst; and her best friend, Patricia Lauren.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Inez Loretto Dillinger; her grandmother, Edith Fike; and her brothers, Jim and Larry Dillinger.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 2 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 200 St. Joseph Dr., Amherst. The Rev. Fr. Timothy O'Connor, pastor, will officiate. (Everyone please meet at church.) Private family inurnment will take place at a later date at Crownhill Cemetery in Amherst.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made in memory of Donna to St. Joseph School, 175 St. Joseph Dr., Amherst, OH 44001.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.dovinreberjones.com.