Donna Jule Robar Fazio, 93 of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Thursday, November 4, 2021, under the care of St. Anthony's Hospice at the Lucy Smith King Care Center.

Donna/Grammy/Grandma/DJ was born August 1, 1928, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Clifton and Rosalie Robar.  She learned to play the piano and violin at a young age, taught piano lessons, and continued to play the piano throughout her adult life.  She received her teaching degree from Morningside College in Sioux City.  She raised three young children and eventually made her way back into the classroom.  However, her best teaching was at home where she taught her children to be strong and kind-hearted.

Donna met George Fazio and they married in 1984 in Falmouth, Maine.  They blended their families and in 1991 moved to Henderson.  They shared a love for traveling, and one of their most special spots was Portland Headlight in Maine.

Donna was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Henderson.  She enjoyed her church community, especially the Dorcas Circle, Sunday school, and the domino group.  She loved reading the newspaper, watching the news, staying up to date with current affairs, and watching the weather.  A never-quenched thirst for knowledge kept her mind sharp and witty, and she fulfilled her love for reading with many large print books from the library.  She was a football fan, particularly loyal to Peyton Manning.  However, she was an even bigger fan of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Donna's kindness was extended to everyone she met.  She always had an open door (well, it was usually locked, but you were always welcome!).  In addition to her own grandchildren, she was also a Grammy (or Grandma to the Mainers) to many of their friends.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, George Fazio (2011), and step-daughter, Carole Johnson (2021).

She is survived by her children, Sue Happe and partner, John Schumacher,  Richard Tappan and wife, Barbara, all from Henderson, Kentucky, and Robert Tappan and husband, Buddy Beck, from Key West, Florida; stepchildren, George Fazio, Jr., and wife, Diane, from New Jersey, Don Smith and wife, Kathy, from Texas, Donella Gallo and husband, Jimmy, from Florida, and Roger Johnson from Delaware; grandchildren Meredith and Jeremy Schmitt, Chris and Kristie Watson, Elizabeth and Yianni Marlas, and Ben and Jodie Tappan, all from Henderson, Kentucky, Michael Happe from Maryland, Gregory and Meghan Happe, Beana (Christina) Happe and Raymond Heal, II, from Maine, Kim and Chuck Ruggiero from New York, and Michael Fazio from New Hampshire; and her legacy continues with eighteen great-grandchildren.

"Keep your chin up, a smile on your face, and a song in your heart."

Services will be at noon Saturday at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home in Henderson, Kentucky.  The Reverend James Wofford will officiate.  Burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until service time Saturday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons accompanied by John Schumacher.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anthony's Hospice (they are a special kind of angels), 2410 South Green Street, Henderson, Kentucky 42420 or at https://stanthonyshospice.org/donate/ or to First United Methodist Church, 338 Third Street, P.O. Box 492, Henderson, Kentucky 42419 or at www.hendersonfirstumc.org.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com .