Donna L. Pack, 79, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, after bravely facing complications related to vascular dementia.
She is survived by her daughter, Gina Messersmith, and son-in-law, Allen; her son, Brian Pack; her mother, Naomi Patterson; and her beloved granddogs, Ruger and Stella. While her family, including her mama, kids, and son-in-law, held a special place in her heart, Donna often joked that the granddogs stole the show with their undeniable cuteness.
Donna was preceded in death by her beloved husband and life partner, Richard Pack; her father, John Patterson; and her brother, John Patterson, Jr.
Throughout her life, Donna embraced many roles with grace and dedication. She was not only a devoted daughter, wife, and mother but also a highly respected Medical Technologist and Biochemistry Researcher, having contributed her talents to institutions such as WVU and NIOSH. To her cherished granddogs, she was affectionately known as the “Biscuit Lady.”
Following the untimely loss of her husband, Donna faced the challenge of raising two slightly annoying teenagers as a single mother. Yet, with unwavering strength and resilience, she successfully navigated the delicate balance between her career and her home life, always ensuring that her children and her own mother received the love and support they needed.
Donna’s kind, warm, and caring nature endeared her to many, and she will be fondly remembered as a loyal friend, a lover of animals, an avid reader, and a confidante always eager to catch up on family news and gossip. Despite the adversities she encountered, Donna approached life with an unwavering sense of gratitude, never once allowing hardship to dim her spirit or dampen her optimism.
Her absence leaves a profound void in the lives of those who knew and loved her, and the depth of our sorrow at her passing cannot be adequately expressed. Donna’s legacy of love, strength, and resilience will continue to inspire us all, and her memory will forever be cherished in our hearts.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Donna’s name to Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia, in honor of her lifelong love of animals.
A celebration of Donna’s life will be held in Orlando, Fla., at a later date, where family and friends will come together to honor her memory and share stories of her remarkable life.
May she rest in eternal peace, knowing she was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed.
