Stella Marie Donaldson, born July 9, 1943, of Rochester, MN passed away on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at the age of 81. Her last day was a joyful one of sharing memories and laughter with her many friends and family, and she was surrounded by her children when she passed.
Stella was born and raised in Rochester. She married Robert Schoeppner and they raised their four children in Stewartville and Rochester. Most of her working career was as a nursing assistant, where she was well-loved for her caring and giving nature. She later married Patrick Donaldson, and they lived in North St. Paul and Lake City before returning to Rochester.
Family was very important to Stella. Some treasured times were the many vacations she took with her children and their families, annual family reunions with the Schneiter/Donaldson clan, and spending her birthday with family at a cabin in northern Minnesota. She loved taking her children to the Salvation Army camp when they were small, camping in the pop-up camper when they were teenagers, and going to a girls’ casino weekend getaway when they were adults. In the last year she travelled to the Isle of Wight with her daughter Tamara to see her grandson Sam get married, and to the Twin Cities to celebrate the marriage of her granddaughter Savannah; these were cherished memories. Stella also loved reading and playing games, but not Bingo! In retirement she found purpose and joy in celebrating her faith and volunteering her time with her Salvation Army church family. She especially enjoyed living close to her life-long friend Ruth during the last few months of her life. Stella’s daughter Diana was a tremendous help to her during the last few years when she needed extra assistance managing her health and household, and Stella was so grateful for her aid.
She was preceded in death by her mother Jane and step-father Robert Donaldson, her sisters Gertrude, Judith, Frances, Catherine, and Rosemary, brother Charles (“Bud”), and grandson Matthew Millenacker.
Stella is survived by her daughters Tamara, Cheryl (Michael), Diana (Dave), son David (Shelly), step children Jim (Michi) and Kelly (Mike), grandchildren Haley, Cass, Cami, Kyle, Savannah, Skylar, Anthony, Sawyer, Seth, step-grandchildren Michael, Jason, Shaun, Sam, Marcus, and nine great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by her sisters Elizabeth and Edith, brothers Eugene and Frank.
Stella’s celebration of life will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at The Salvation Army, 20 1st Ave NE, Rochester, MN. Visitation for family and friends will be from 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the church. Luncheon will follow the service. Memorial contributions in Stella’s honor may be made to The Salvation Army.
I always enjoyed seeing and speaking with Stella at family gatherings at the Stoos house and beyond and, without fail, she greeted me warmly and with genuine, heartfelt conversation. Sharon and I are grateful for having had a chance to sit and talk with her at Savannah and Charlie’s wedding celebration and will remember her fondly. I’m especially pleased to know that she was surrounded by loved ones in her final day. A well-deserved exit with love. She will be missed but her positive impact on the lives of many lives on.