Donna J. Schragal

Donna J. Schragal, affectionately known to many as Donni, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025 in Maineville, Ohio at the age of 80. Born on January 8, 1945 and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Donna was a radiant presence in the lives of all who knew her.

Donna graduated from Cardinal Mooney High School in 1963 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in English from Youngstown University (now YSU) in 1967. A dedicated teacher in her earlier years, Donna shaped young minds in elementary school before embracing her role as a full-time homemaker. She was strong-willed and determined, with a unique ability to connect with others; she took great joy in getting to know people on a personal level and discovering the threads that knit lives together.

On August 12, 1967, Donna married her best friend, John P. "Jack" Schragal, in Youngstown, Ohio. They forged a loyal and loving partnership that would last a lifetime. Donna’s unwavering love for Jack was a guiding star in her life, and her love for family was beyond measure. She was welcoming to all and friends quickly became family under her warm and nurturing care; those who shared in her life carried cherished memories of laughter, hospitality, comfort, and love.

She took immense pride in witnessing her children grow into responsible adults, celebrating their achievements of every variety and watching them cultivate special relationships with one another as well as others. Her joy blossomed further as she embraced her role as a grandmother to Madeline Pildis, Jacob Pildis, Evan Schragal-Schroeck, Zachary Schragal-Schroeck, Olivia Schragal, and Ian Schragal.

In her spare time, Donna expressed herself through various crafts, including sewing, quilting, and knitting. Whether making clothing for herself and her young children or creating home accessories and gifts for others, her hands brought warmth and beauty into the world. She eagerly tried just about every type of craft imaginable, finding fulfillment in the process of creation and design as well as in the community of fellow crafters she met along the way. Donna loved to cook and to bake, creating many home holiday celebrations with personally prepared main courses, specialty desserts, and traditional cookies. Her children and grandchildren especially treasure these memories as well as the skills she passed on to them.

Donna generously shared her time and talents with everyone, volunteering when her children were small in Brownie troops and vacation bible schools, and later at St. John’s annual church festival and Bethesda North hospital. She and Jack shared a love of nature and history and expressed it by creating an ever-changing home garden together, exploring local parks, touring historical sites, and taking memorable vacations in later years to the ocean at Hilton Head Island, the Biltmore estate in Asheville, North Carolina, and the mountains of Gatlinburg and Chattanooga,

She is survived by her loving husband, Jack; her adored children, Christine (Jonathan Pildis) Schragal, Kelly Schragal, Lauren (Tim) Sullivan, Jonathan (Mary-Ann Cao) Schragal, and Alan Schragal; her cherished grandchildren; her sister, Kathleen Carson; her half-brother, Donald Dempsey; and her sister-in-law Kathleen Cunningham (nee Schragal.)

Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Donald Francis Dempsey and Pauline "Betty" (nee Skubich) Dempsey, and her stepmother, Marie Dempsey. Her legacy of love, resilience, and creativity will live on in the hearts of all of her family and friends.

Visitation will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in West Chester, OH, on September 5, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a Mass from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Donna will be laid to final rest on a future date at Dayton National Cemetery.

Donna was fiercely passionate about supporting the search to find a cure for cancer. If desired, and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the cancer research organization of your choice.