Donna S. Pennekamp

Donna Pennekamp (Simpson) born on January 25, 1958 passed away peacefully; surrounded by her family and loved ones on February 11, 2025 at the age of 67. Preceded in death by her parents Edgar (Ed) and Mary Simpson (Pate) and her sisters Barbara Simpson and Bonnie Watkins (Simpson). Loving wife to Rick Pennekamp for 48 years who together raised three children: Eric (Perry), Erin (Nathan) and Ryan (Jessica). Sister of Mike Simpson (Lori) and Mary Ann Junewick (Simpson) (Walt). Sister-In-Law to Lynn, Sharon, Mark (Dawn) and Beth (John). Loving Grandmother to Dylan, Presley, Jameson, Charlotte and Roman. Aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Our beloved Donna is remembered by many for her no-nonsense and straight forward attitude on the outside but recognized for her incredibly massive heart and giving ways by the ones who loved and knew her best. She was a shoulder to many and often the go to problem solver for many friends and family in times of need. She was quick with her wit and fast to make the room laugh, possessing the amazing ability to send a message with her looks, but make you love her with her smile. Donna spread laughter and love to many.

Born in Cincinnati, Donna spent many years in many different cities, attending three high schools in four years. She spent impactful years of her life in Chicago, New Jersey, Cleveland and others before making her way back to the west side of Cincinnati to live out her life for nearly 50 years. During these years she found herself a part of the "Highview Crew", which became some of her most important relationships. Lana, George, Angie, David, Mac, Charlene, Cara, Patrick, Mike, Mary, Kelly and Sean; she loved all of you like you were family.

Proud of her heritage, she was the granddaughter of Italian immigrants Anthony and Innocenza Pate (Pulice) and was raised in a "family before anything environment". She was the quintessential Italian American. She was protective of her friends and family until the end.

Donna was an avid athlete and was known to excel on the softball field. She would go on to share her knowledge and experience as the coach of many softball and baseball teams at St. Teresa. Donna became one of the first women to be a head coach in the Knothole Baseball organization in Cincinnati. Her love of sports extended through the rest of her life where she was known to rarely miss a game where her children or grandkids were competing. She was responsible for raising many successful athletes. Donna was a 40+ year employee of McDonnell Douglas where she began her career as an administrative assistant, eventually being promoted to Project Analyst for what would become the Siemens Corporation.

Donna was a faithful member of the St. Teresa of Avila Parish in Price Hill and spent many hours volunteering and assisting with the needs of the community. 

If friends and family would prefer to make a donation in lieu of flowers, her family asks that you make a donation to St. Teresa of Avila church on her behalf.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday February 19th at Radel Funeral Home from 10am until 1230pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Teresa of Avila Church at 130pm on Wednesday February 19 

Celebration of life immediately following mass at The Farm in Delhi  239 Anderson Ferry  Cincinnati, Ohio 45238  (All are welcome )