Donna M. (Eitman) Powell passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025, in Katy, Texas, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, she graduated from South Side High School and earned the Butler University Journalism Day Best News Story Award. She went on to study at Indiana University, where she received a Founder’s Day Award and graduated with a degree in Art, English, and Secondary Education. While at IU, she was an active member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority and chaired the Homecoming Float Committee.
Donna married William D. Powell in Bloomington, Indiana and joined him in London, where he was stationed with the U.S. Air Force JAG Corps. Together, they traveled throughout Europe and enjoyed the many opportunities that life abroad offered. After returning to the U.S., they settled in Evansville, Indiana, where they raised their family.
A devoted mother, Donna was deeply involved in her children’s lives—shuttling them to activities, sewing costumes, and championing their education. She was a talented artist and an award-winning floral arranger. Her commitment to service extended to the community, where she held roles such as Chairperson of the Heart and Cancer Drive, President of the Evansville Tri-Delta Alumnae Chapter, and President of the Weed and Seed Garden Club.
In 1976, Donna earned her Indiana Real Estate Broker’s license and launched a career that would span nearly five decades. She moved to Houston in 1979 to be closer to her children and was present at the birth of all six of her grandchildren. After obtaining her Texas Real Estate Broker’s license, she continued her rewarding real estate career until retiring from Keller Williams. Donna also worked as a substitute teacher well into her late 80s at various Houston schools, including West University Elementary, Lamar, Westside, Bellaire, and Memorial High Schools. “The students kept me young,” she would often say.
Never one to shy away from new experiences, Donna even worked at Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman in New York City during her 50s. Her adventurous and fearless spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Above all, Donna was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her love for her grandchildren was boundless—she never missed an event, and her home was a sanctuary of joy and indulgence. Known affectionately as “Nana,” she was famous for bending the rules when the grandkids came to visit, allowing late bedtimes and treats at any hour. When gently questioned by their parents, she would always respond with a smile, “I’m the grandmother.” And she truly was an extraordinary one.
Donna was a proud member of several Houston organizations, including P.E.O., the Houston Tri-Delta Alumnae Chapter, and Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church.
She spent her final years at Clarewood House, where she formed deep friendships and enjoyed wonderful memories. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Clarewood House staff for their kindness during those years, and to Sarah and Tee at Regus Care Home for their caring and loving attention during her last weeks.
In her final days, Donna found peace in her deep faith, comforted by the hope of being reunited with her loved ones in heaven. She was ready to meet God and embraced the journey ahead with grace. “Nana, you are home again, home again, jiggety jig.” We love you—a bushel and a peck, and so much more!
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Adele Eitman; her brothers, David, Richard, and Allen Eitman; her sister, Carolyn Eitman; and her former husband, William D. Powell.
She is lovingly remembered by her sister, Sharon Eitman Ellingwood; her daughters, Susan Larson (Steve) and Lisa Powell (Philip Berquist); her grandchildren, Ryan Larson (Catherine), Jonathon Larson (Sophie), Kathryn Belanger (Ryan), Claire Berquist, Jackson Berquist, and Elizabeth Berquist; and her great-grandchildren, Clark Larson, Caroline Larson, Claire Larson, and Annabel Pham.
A private burial will be held for the family. A celebration of Donna’s life will take place on September 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Clarewood House, 7400 Clarewood Drive, Houston, Texas 77036. All who knew and loved her are welcome to join.
Services
Celebration of Life
Sat. Sep. 20, 2025
2:00 pm
Clarewood House
7400 Clarewood Dr.
Houston , TX 77036.
Clarewood House
Houston , TX 77036.
Donna M. (Eitman) Powell passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025, in Katy, Texas, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, she graduated from South Side High School and earned the Butler University Journalism Day Best News Story Award. She went on to study at Indiana University, where she received a Founder’s Day Award and graduated with a degree in Art, English, and Secondary Education. While at IU, she was an active member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority and chaired the Homecoming Float Committee.
Donna married William D. Powell in Bloomington, Indiana and joined him in London, where he was stationed with the U.S. Air Force JAG Corps. Together, they traveled throughout Europe and enjoyed the many opportunities that life abroad offered. After returning to the U.S., they settled in Evansville, Indiana, where they raised their family.
A devoted mother, Donna was deeply involved in her children’s lives—shuttling them to activities, sewing costumes, and championing their education. She was a talented artist and an award-winning floral arranger. Her commitment to service extended to the community, where she held roles such as Chairperson of the Heart and Cancer Drive, President of the Evansville Tri-Delta Alumnae Chapter, and President of the Weed and Seed Garden Club.
In 1976, Donna earned her Indiana Real Estate Broker’s license and launched a career that would span nearly five decades. She moved to Houston in 1979 to be closer to her children and was present at the birth of all six of her grandchildren. After obtaining her Texas Real Estate Broker’s license, she continued her rewarding real estate career until retiring from Keller Williams. Donna also worked as a substitute teacher well into her late 80s at various Houston schools, including West University Elementary, Lamar, Westside, Bellaire, and Memorial High Schools. “The students kept me young,” she would often say.
Never one to shy away from new experiences, Donna even worked at Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman in New York City during her 50s. Her adventurous and fearless spirit left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Above all, Donna was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her love for her grandchildren was boundless—she never missed an event, and her home was a sanctuary of joy and indulgence. Known affectionately as “Nana,” she was famous for bending the rules when the grandkids came to visit, allowing late bedtimes and treats at any hour. When gently questioned by their parents, she would always respond with a smile, “I’m the grandmother.” And she truly was an extraordinary one.
Donna was a proud member of several Houston organizations, including P.E.O., the Houston Tri-Delta Alumnae Chapter, and Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church.
She spent her final years at Clarewood House, where she formed deep friendships and enjoyed wonderful memories. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Clarewood House staff for their kindness during those years, and to Sarah and Tee at Regus Care Home for their caring and loving attention during her last weeks.
In her final days, Donna found peace in her deep faith, comforted by the hope of being reunited with her loved ones in heaven. She was ready to meet God and embraced the journey ahead with grace. “Nana, you are home again, home again, jiggety jig.” We love you—a bushel and a peck, and so much more!
Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Adele Eitman; her brothers, David, Richard, and Allen Eitman; her sister, Carolyn Eitman; and her former husband, William D. Powell.
She is lovingly remembered by her sister, Sharon Eitman Ellingwood; her daughters, Susan Larson (Steve) and Lisa Powell (Philip Berquist); her grandchildren, Ryan Larson (Catherine), Jonathon Larson (Sophie), Kathryn Belanger (Ryan), Claire Berquist, Jackson Berquist, and Elizabeth Berquist; and her great-grandchildren, Clark Larson, Caroline Larson, Claire Larson, and Annabel Pham.
A private burial will be held for the family. A celebration of Donna’s life will take place on September 20, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Clarewood House, 7400 Clarewood Drive, Houston, Texas 77036. All who knew and loved her are welcome to join.
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