Chandler Funeral Homes & Crematory Logo

302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Donna Kay Lovett Benge

Donna Kay Lovett Benge, age 69, of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away on March 1, 2023.

She was born in Wilmington in 1953 to Paul D. Lovett and Marjorie Jones Lovett.
Donna was a graduate of A.I. Dupont High School and The University of Delaware. Shortly after graduating she went on to become a paralegal, and began a lifelong career in real estate title examination.

Donna was a diligent and thorough title searcher, knowing the ins and outs of the real estate world and a critical resource for many in the real estate title business. She worked for First American Title Insurance for over 20 years, and retired in December of last year.

She was a devoted yet laid back mother of the 80s, allowing her three children to be themselves, thrive and handle the world on their own terms. Her children called her whenever they needed a non-judgemental, thoughtful problem solver who could also level you with her sarcastic one-liners.

One of her greatest gifts she was able to pass on to her children is resilience. Sarah, Laura and JP looked to her as the North Star for how to get up when you get knocked down.

In 2007, Donna was diagnosed with cancer, which required major surgery and extensive treatment. Every doctor who treated her would remark that she was one of the strongest people they have ever met. Donna continued to live her life to the fullest despite the challenges bestowed upon her.

Donna loved to travel, read, and spend time at her beach house in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where her family long had roots and owned the Oak Grove Motor Court. Growing up, she spent all her summers working at the beach and passed on the love of the area to her children.

Donna’s grandchildren were one of the greatest joys of her life. She traveled frequently to Maine and Florida to visit. She enjoyed spoiling them at Christmas, her favorite holiday.

Donna will be deeply missed by her children; Laura Benge Gallet, Sarah Benge Trejo, and John P. Benge; by her sons-in-law, Nicolas Gallet and Troy Trejo; and by her five grandchildren, Alexandre Gallet, Paloma Trejo, Georgette Gallet, Vivienne Gallet and Fernando Trejo who lovingly knew her as ‘Gaga’. She had many adoring nieces and nephews, who will miss Aunt Donna.

Donna will be missed by her companion, Stacey Smith, with whom she spent many years.

Donna is survived by her three brothers, G. Douglas Lovett, Paul D. Lovett, Jr. and James M. Lovett, who are all still vying for the title of favorite brother.
She is predeceased by her parents, Marjorie Jones Lovett and Paul DeWitt Lovett.

Funeral Services

Funeral Services for Donna will be held Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 11:00 AM, family will receive at 10:30 AM, at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803. Family and friends are invited to share their memories of Donna at the service.

Condolences

    Bette (Smith) Huber writes,
    I am so very sorry to hear of Donna’s passing. Having lost two siblings myself, I know how difficult if can be to move forward. Donna and I rode the bus to school everyday and I spent many days at her house growing up in Centerville. She was always so kind to me. May God bless her soul
    03/04/2023 11:37 am
    Jane deBock Tomczyk writes,
    My deepest condolences for the loss of your mother, grandmother, sister, and companion. Donna will always be in my heart.
    03/04/2023 12:55 pm
    Doug Lynch writes,
    So sorry to hear of a classmates passing. She was a very sweet person. Her family’s property in RH beach has been an institution for decades. Gods speed. Class of ‘71.
    03/04/2023 03:23 pm
    Deborah, Ray and Natalie Nails lit a candle and writes,
    Our prayers are with you all during this sad time.
    03/05/2023 08:23 am
    Doug Lovett writes,
    I find it hard to believe my sister, Donna Kay is gone. We recently enjoyed a family dinner together in Rehoboth. She has always been a happy person, a joy to be around. I will miss her greatly.
    03/05/2023 11:31 am
    Rebecca, Sophie, Robin & Joy writes,
    Holding Sarah and the rest of the family in our thoughts. We love you so much!
    03/05/2023 07:18 pm
    Jim Lovett writes,
    Thank You All
    03/05/2023 08:44 pm
    Jack McGrath lit a candle and writes,
    My deepest sympathies and condolences to Donna’s family. She was one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. She is missed by her First American friends.
    03/06/2023 11:02 am
    Ginny Slavin lit a candle and writes,
    I am so saddened to hear of Donna's passing. She was the most kind hearted person who helped me a lot in the real estate industry. Prayers to her family and all who loved her.
    03/06/2023 11:46 am
    Anna Persoleo Glenn lit a candle and writes,
    A science project that Donna & I completed which ignited I in Her school locker at A I … I ll never forget that ! My condolences to her family & all of those who loved her …. Class of A I. 71
    03/06/2023 04:50 pm
    Andy Ballentine writes,
    I'm so sorry to hear this news. Jim (I remember you as Jimmy!) and family, blessings to you as you mourn.
    03/06/2023 04:59 pm
    Janet Sloan Rachidi writes,
    Dear Doug, Paul and Jimmy, Donna was a great childhood friend. Ann, Mimi Babcock and I spent countless hour hanging out at the Lovett house creating and inventing games. I remember being at the Lovett house and discussing the tragedy of JFK’s assassination. Donna was always the gracious hostess and whether we were playing on the hill behind her house or in her basement, she was always the leader and someone we could count on to keep us gently moving past disagreements into resolutions. Although Donna and I moved away from Centreville, our neighbors friendship shaped us both in positive ways. May she rest in peace. May you all keep her alive in your thoughts and memories. She will always be remembered as a good friend to have.
    03/07/2023 06:25 am
    LAURA H RICCI lit a candle and writes,
    I met Donna Kay in 1973 in my freshman year at the University of Delaware. I will always remember the wonderful person that she was.
    03/08/2023 07:25 am
    Kathi Fad Diaz writes,
    I was shocked and saddened when Doug called me this evening and told me of Donna Kay’s passing. I remember as a little kid how beautiful my cousin was…and how I hoped our gene pool would be as kind to me. I was later awed by her strength when my mother told me about some of the horrible things Donna had to endure. She is an example to all of Grace. Sadly, I hadn’t seen her since my mother’s funeral several years ago. My deepest condolences and love Doug, Paul III, Jimmy, Laura, Sarah, JP and all of her grandchildren. The world will be a little less wonderful without Donna but her strength and kind heart will live on in the legacy of her children and grandchildren. God rest your soul, Donna, you are out of pain and whole again.
    03/08/2023 08:59 pm
    Robert (Bob) Thompson writes,
    So many wonderful memories of summer family visits.
    08/28/2024 02:31 pm

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

When you "Light a Candle" the candle image is posted with your condolence.

Thank You

Your online condolence will appear once approved by our site administrator.