Obituary for Donna Marie Bregman

Donna Bregman, 77, died peacefully at her home in Bettendorf on Tuesday, April 6, after a long series of illnesses. Donna, the fourth of twelve children, was born in Dubuque, Iowa, on July 22, 1932, the daughter of Leonard and Frances O''Meara. She married Jack Bregman in 1954 and lived with him in Iowa City, Cedar Falls, and finally Bettendorf, where they have resided since 1958. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, three sisters, and her son, Mark, who died in 1999. Surviving Donna are two sisters and four brothers; her husband, Jack; her son, Jeff Bregman (Gidget), Bettendorf; and her daughter, Lisa Smith, Bettendorf. Donna had seven grandchildren; Clay and Cole Smith, Casey, Jesse and Zach Bregman, (all of whom live in Bettendorf) and Mike and Katie Bregman who live in Pennsylvania. Donna will be sorely missed by her family and friends. We''ll miss her infectious laugh and her sweet smile. Her uncanny way to find legitimate things to praise in her friends and loved ones (often just when they were needed most). We''ll miss her marvelous ability to listen when we spoke with her. Whether young or old, educated or unschooled, when you talked with Donna you always felt what you were saying was important to her, and when the conversation was over, you left with a little boost to your ego. And finally we''ll miss the love she was able to spread so abundantly among all of us. A memorial service will be held for Donna at the Unitarian Church, 1707 Eastern Avenue in Davenport at 4:15 PM on Tuesday, April 13. Friends may visit with family members from 3:00 to 4:00 PM, prior to the memorial service. All are invited to stay at the church for a light dinner following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bettendorf Community Schools Education Foundation or the Bettendorf Public Library Foundation.