Donna Gaffin

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Donna Gaffin (nee Kirschke) after a courageous year and a half battle with cancer. Donna was born in Elmhurst, IL in 1957 to Dorothy and Paul Kirschke. She married William (Bill) Gaffin in 1976 and their daughter Megan was born in 1980. Megan was the light and joy of Donna’s life. Donna, Bill and Megan relocated from the Chicago area to St Louis in 1982 for Bill’s career with Maritz Research. After almost thirty years in St. Louis County, Donna and Bill moved back to the western suburbs of Chicago in 2000, then to Utah in 2008, and back to Chicago in 2009. Donna and Bill finally returned to St. Louis (Wildwood) in 2011. Donna loved to stay busy and had a diverse career as an administrative assistant where she supported a range of industries including real estate, mortgage services, and hotel management. Donna enjoyed traveling, gardening and decorating. She participated with her dog Leo as a therapy team for Duo Dogs (also known as support dogs). Donna and Leo visited hospitals and nursing homes to support patients in need of happiness. Sadly, Donna and Bill lost Megan to cancer in 2006 when she was only 25 years old. After this devastating loss, Donna committed herself to keeping Megan’s memory alive by helping raise funds for cancer research through “Friends of Megan,” a non-profit organization founded in her daughter’s name. Her commitment to finding a cure for cancer continued annually each March in having a float in the Downtown St. Louis and Dogtown St. Patrick’s Day parades. Donna was also a benevolent supporter of the local non-profit organization Eye Thrive, which provides eyecare services for children in our community in need. One of Donna’s many joys was organizing and hosting parties with friends and family. A favorite for all was the Gaffin’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party which included live music and real Irish dancers! Donna had an incredible, innate ability to make friends. From early adulthood, wherever she went, she was making lifelong friendships and organizing activities in her neighborhood. She was a kind, supportive and loving friend to all. A celebration of Donna’s life will take place in early spring/summer of 2021 where her many friends will have one last party with our favorite planner! Many thanks to the staff at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes Jewish Hospital for their caring and compassionate treatment. Contributions can be made in Donna’s name to www.cholangiocarcinoma.org

Donna Gaffin

April 25, 1957 - December 29, 2020