Donna Lynn Howell

HOWELL, Donna Lynn, 64, of Winter Park, passed away Wednesday, November 9, 2022, following a short (4 years) but fierce battle with cancer. Born May 13, 1958, in Charlotte, NC to an Air Force military family, she lived in multiple places around the world, including Germany, the Philippines, and multiple states, settling in Winter Park, FL in 1973. Donna was a proud Auburn University graduate (War Eagle!) who valued hard work and commitment. She held high expectations for herself and others as she dedicated herself to doing her best in her job. She spent all her working years in two positions, first at Walt Disney World (13 years) and then at Progressive Insurance (25 years). She loved her Progressive “work family” and continued to contribute as much as possible while she fought her health battles. Donna loved all things ‘family’ – tracking historical records for genealogy, loving and playing with the nieces and nephews and now great nieces and nephews, shopping for ‘just the right’ gifts for birthdays and Christmas, and sharing family stories with friends. She could always be counted on to help with anything anyone needed. She enjoyed baking and sharing the treats with others. She loved all the dogs in the family as well, but none as much as her beloved Pongo who was a true blessing to her, especially during her cancer battle. She was preceded in death by her father, Eugene Howell, her mother, Joyce Howell, and her great nephew, Jack Baumgartner IV. She is survived by her sisters, Julie White and Laura King; her brother and sister-in-law, Kevin and Geri Howell; nephew Mike White (Jennifer) and nieces Jenny Baumgartner (Jack III), Emily Roesel (Mike) and Madison Leonard (Stormy); great nieces, Emma and Taylor Baumgartner, Charlotte Roesel, great nephew, Christopher White; uncle and aunt, Gordon and Jackie Howell, and numerous cousins. Matthew 5:4 ~ Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. A celebration of life, followed by a simple reception will be held at DeGusipe Funeral Home, 9001 Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL 32751, on Sunday, November 20, 2022 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her favorite charities: Graham County Emergency Food Pantry (https://www.mannafoodbank.org/agency/graham-county-emergency-food-pantry); Wreaths Across America (https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/; All Paws on Deck Animal Rescue FL (https://www.facebook.com/AllPawsFl). The family of Donna Lynn Howell invites you to leave a message of condolence on the tribute wall created in her memory.

Donna Lynn Howell

May 13, 1958 - November 9, 2022