Donna Mae Gereb

November 15, 1940 - January 21, 2021

Donna Mae Gereb, age 80, passed away peacefully January 21, 2021 after a brief illness. She was born November 15th, 1940 in Sharon, Pennsylvania to Victor and Eva Paulenich. Donna was a passionate educator in and out of the classroom, formally and informally encouraging learning. Her teaching career was broad ranging, from elementary school classrooms to principal and supervisory certifications. She was awarded two master’s degrees, one in Education and one in Science in Education. Over the course of 29 years in the classroom, she introduced new technologies, expanded reading, math, and science opportunities for students throughout Ohio and received Martha Holden Jennings Foundation Teaching and Science Awards. After she retired from teaching, Donna became an Education Consultant for Mahoning County, was a School Improvement Consultant in Licking County, a Director of Education in Hamilton County and was a Reading and Mathematics Consultant for the Ohio Department of Education, contributing to the STEM Program. Donna completed her career full circle, back in the classroom as an elementary substitute teacher, with the children that gave her so much joy and purpose. Donna enjoyed being outdoors, reading, gardening, and walking. An adventure in the forest, in the mountains or at the beach were times she cherished, especially when shared with her family and friends. Above all, she lived for her children and grandchildren. Always present for those around her and caring deeply for anyone who was fortunate enough to come into her life. She is survived by her husband, William R. Gereb (Powell, OH), her son Brian Gereb and his wife Amy, (Summerfield, NC), grandson Blake I. Gereb (Summerfield, NC), granddaughter Hannah G. Gereb (Summerfield, NC), son Barry W. Gereb and his wife Erica (Aspen, CO), sister Vicki Maykowski (Colorado Springs, CO) and brother Dennis Paulenich and his wife Margaret (Virginia Beach, VA) and many loving nieces and nephews. A small family service honoring her Catholic faith will be held in Powell, Ohio. https://www.hospiceofcentralohio.org/donate/donate-now/