Donna Lee Simpson Meadows, born August 12, 1948, in Muncie, Indiana, passed away on October 18, 2026. She grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, before making Sarasota, Florida, her home in the 1970s. Throughout her life, Donna built lasting friendships, became part of many families, and touched countless lives with her warmth, laughter, and love.
Donna was the daughter of William Simpson and Florence Maxine Vannatter Simpson, who both preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her brother, William (Billy) Simpson, and her former husband, Steve Meadows. Although Donna and Steve later divorced, she continued to care about him as the father of their children.
She is survived by her sister, Mary Jo Demenczuk, and her husband, Len; Mary Jo’s children, Jeff and Julie; Donna’s daughter, Alysia Sorrentino, her husband, Rich, and their sons, Jacob and Matthew; her son, Gregory, his daughters, Jasmine and Emma, and Emma’s mother, Megan; and Billy’s daughter, Desita. Donna took great joy in loving, supporting, and caring for her family.
Donna spent many years as a cosmetologist, earning the affection and loyalty of clients throughout Sarasota. No matter which salon she worked at, her clients followed her, a testament to both her talent and the special relationships she built. She was truly one of the best at what she did, and the friendships she formed with her clients and coworkers often lasted well beyond the workplace.
Later in life, Donna worked in Food and Nutrition Services for the Sarasota County School Board. She helped feed children across numerous schools throughout the county, bringing smiles to their faces and making their school days a little brighter. Her coworkers, like those from her earlier jobs, became dear friends, and she was loved by the people she worked alongside throughout her career.
Outside of work, Donna loved cooking and baking, and she enjoyed sewing for a time as well. She loved the beach, even if she made it there less often in her later years. Donna also loved animals. She was predeceased by beloved dogs Dude, Mugsy, and Woofus, and cats Tobby and Ozzy and is survived by Aurora.
Above all, Donna loved her family and took pride in being there for her grandchildren. She cared for her granddaughter Emma after school and during summers, and she happily made the drive up the interstate to watch her grandsons perform in plays and musicals. She wanted to be there for the things that mattered to them, sharing in their interests, cheering them on, and letting them know how much they were loved.
Donna had a special gift for becoming part of the families around her. She brought her love and laughter not only to the Meadows and Sorrentino families, but also to the many families she found along the way through the salons and schools where she worked. The bonds she created and the lives she touched were a reflection of who she was: someone who cared deeply, showed up for the people she loved, and made others feel that they belonged.
A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Donna’s life will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34232. An informal time of sharing stories and memories will begin at 1:30 p.m. Guests are warmly invited and encouraged to come prepared to share their own stories, memories, and moments with Donna as we celebrate the life she lived and the many people she brought together.
Donna will be remembered with love by her family, friends, former clients, and coworkers, all of whom were fortunate to have been part of her life. Her love, laughter, and the memories she leaves behind will continue to live on in the many people who loved her.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to a local school, such as Tuttle Elementary, one that holds the most recent special place in Donna's heart.
(Full disclosure in this world of technology and advancements - Yes, this was written by ChatGPT, but I told it all the wonderful true things about my Mom and this is what it gave me and I totally agree with it. I also want to add what a sweet person she was right up to the end, where she spent her last few months as a patient in a nursing home where the staff were all just as wonderful to her as she was to all of us all of our lives, for which I am every so grateful. We love you, Mom, Gi, Grandma, Sister, and Dearest Friend.)
