Donna Jean Reynolds Norene's Obituary
Donna Jean Reynolds Norene, age 92, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, January 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.
Donna was born on November 1, 1933, in Omaha, Nebraska, the only child of Alice and George Reynolds. She was raised in Omaha and later graduated from the University of Omaha. While attending the University of Omaha, Donna was a retail major in the College of Business Administration and a proud member of the Chi Omega sorority, where she served as treasurer. She was the recipient of a World-Herald scholarship, served as Flight Leader of Angels, was secretary of the Retailing Chairman Committee, served on the Student Council, and was selected as an Honorary Major at the Military Ball by the Arnold Air Society.
On December 23, 1955, Donna married Jerry Norene, an Air Force pilot and the love of her life. Together, they built a remarkable partnership that spanned seven decades. They celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on December 23, 2025, just three weeks before Donna’s passing, a testament to their enduring devotion and love.
As a military family, Donna and Jerry lived in Missouri, Texas, and South Carolina before settling in Stone Mountain, Georgia, where they raised their two children, Susan and Scott. Following Jerry’s retirement, they moved to Florida and later, in 2003, made their final home at Money Hill Golf and Country Club in Abita Springs, Louisiana. There, Donna and Jerry worked alongside owner David Goodyear to build one of the first Garden Homes in the community. Donna’s home and the Money Hill lifestyle were featured in Southern Woman Magazine in 2004.
Donna embraced life at Money Hill with enthusiasm and grace. She was an original member of the Money Hill Monarchs, the ladies’ golf group, and the duplicate bridge group. Bridge became her greatest passion. Alongside her best friend and bridge partner, Madu, Donna devoted herself to mastering the game. For 21 years, they played together weekly, refining their skills through lessons and friendly competition. A master bridge player once remarked that their partnership was among the finest, he had ever observed.
Donna cultivated deep and meaningful friendships throughout her adult life, with college friends, neighbors, and the many people she met along her journeys. She and Jerry shared a love of travel, exploring destinations across the United States, Europe, and Asia. Scotland held a special place in their hearts, particularly St. Andrews, where they formed cherished friendships and returned whenever possible.
Above all else, Donna’s greatest accomplishment was her family. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was her universe, and she shared a unique and special relationship with her grandchildren, offering each one love, attention, wisdom, and unwavering pride. She raised her children, instilling in them her deep love of life, faith, and family, values that continue to guide her family today.
Donna will be remembered for her warmth, elegance, loyalty, and quiet strength. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched and in the family she so dearly loved.
Donna is survived by her beloved husband of 70 years, Jerry Norene; her daughter, Susan Nelson (Bill Nelson); her son, Scott Norene (Tiffany Norene); her grandchildren, Lindsay Groher (Grant Groher), Ryan Waldrop, Gunner Norene, and Grayson Norene; and her great-grandchildren, Weston, Anna Claire, and Hayes Groher, who were a constant source of joy and delight in her life.
All funeral services are private.
E.J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. The Norene family invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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