Donna Jean Reeves (née Eisenbeis), 80, of Buffalo, New York passed away peacefully on March 25, 2025, surrounded by her family, and with her husband, Bill, at her side.

Donna was a generous caretaker and a masterful party planner. She appreciated a good snack, be it a can of pop and a pretzel rod (just one, please), or a glass of riesling with some Brie and a baguette.

Donna was born May 11, 1944, in Buffalo, New York, to the late Helen (née Sordyl) and Edwin Eisenbeis. Donna attended South Park High School, where she was a star student and cheerleader. It was at South Park where she met the love of her life, William Leo Reeves. Starting with their brief but glorious reign as South Park’s Sweetheart King and Queen, Donna and Bill shared a deep, devoted love that spanned nearly seven decades. On February 12, they celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary.

After high school, Donna went on to attend D’Youville University where she graduated in 1966, and then went on to achieve her Master of Arts in Mathematics at Buffalo State College. Donna began teaching in Buffalo Public Schools, eventually finding her way to Villa Maria Academy. A gifted math teacher, she had the ability to make even the most difficult higher mathematical concepts accessible, and her patience and encouragement made her classroom a place of confidence and growth. Before her retirement in 2006, she touched the lives of countless students, inspiring many — including her own children — to pursue careers in science, engineering and mathematics.

Beyond her career, Donna was an equally caring, devoted and loving mother. Her children William Turner (Thomas Boyd), James Edwin (Therese), Edwin Del (Amy) and Jennifer Ann (Brian) Leahy will forever cherish her. Donna’s legacy as a grandmother is just as profound: her grandchildren Emily, Cloe, Olivia, Finn and Andrea adored her, savored her au gratin potatoes and relished her mom, “GG’s,” signature cheesecake. Her love for them was a boundless source of joy for her, and they filled her days and her heart with sunshine.

Donna is also survived by her sister and fellow “Golden Girl,” Linda Bullaro, her brother and his wife, Donald and Rita Eisenbeis, and an extended group of loving family and friends.

A woman of incredibly deep faith, Donna was the best of God’s creations, a devout Catholic and the heart of her family.

As Donna wished, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In the meantime, if you would like to honor her, please consider donating to the ASCPA, Parkinson’s Foundation or Alzheimer’s Association.

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