Donna M. Hitpas
- Visitation Dates and Times
Sunday, October 1, 2023 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Monday, October 2, 2023 from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m.
- Visitation Location
St. George Catholic Church ~ New Baden
- Service Date
Monday, October 2, 2023
- Service Time
10:00 a.m.
- Service Location
St. George Catholic Church ~ New Baden
- Full Obituary
Donna M. Hitpas, nee Fiedler, age 73, of New Baden, passed away suddenly Sunday, September 24, 2023 at Washington County Hospital in Nashville, IL.
She was born May 7, 1950 in Belleville, a beloved daughter of the late Leonard and Flora, nee Rakers, Fiedler.
Donna is survived by her husband, Gary Hitpas, of New Baden, whom she married November 18, 1972 at St. Dominic Catholic Church in Breese and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year; daughters, Cassie (Dan) Varel of Nashville, Corran (Chris) Huber of Overland Park, KS, and Callyn (Brent) Terveer of Edwardsville; grandchildren, Delaney, Reese, and Grady Varel, Charlie, Jack, and Henry Huber, and Henley, Heath, and Hayes Terveer; siblings, Karen Moss of Breese, Vickie (Bill) Simpson of Benton, and Jody (Greg) Kimmel of Benton; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Fr. Joseph Hitpas, OMI of Belleville, Tom (Diane) Hitpas of Westminster, CO, Dan Hitpas of Trenton, and Mary Jill (Scott) Grabinger of Highlands Ranch, CO; and nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Donna was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Mildred, nee Kueneke, Hitpas.
Donna's journey was marked by a dedication to education. She graduated from Mater Dei Catholic High School in the class of 1968 and went on to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale. Later, she pursued her passion for teaching further by obtaining a Master’s Degree in Education from Olivet Nazarene University. Her teaching career was spent entirely at Mascoutah Elementary, where she left a lasting impact on countless young lives. She retired in 2007, having shaped the future of generations.
Donna was a woman of faith and a devoted member of St. George Catholic Church in New Baden. She actively participated in various church activities, including the Altar Sodality, funeral choir, cleaning crew, decorating committee, and the gardening angels. Donna also took special care of the cemetery holiday decorations, ensuring a serene and respectful final resting place for her fellow parishioners. She was a proud member of the Mascoutah Retired Teachers Association, remaining connected to her educational roots, and she formerly managed the New Baden pool for many years. Donna loved to travel and enjoyed her trips to Alaska, Thailand, Europe, Aruba, Dominican Republic, and many trips to Florida and Mexico.
Donna had a strong sense of community and supported both Mater Dei and Nashville High Schools, where she cheered on young athletes and students alike. However, her greatest source of joy was found in her family, especially her beloved grandchildren. Donna was their biggest cheerleader, attending every possible event and celebration, whether it be a sports game, a school play, or a birthday party. Her unconditional love and unwavering presence in their lives will forever be remembered.
Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, October 2, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden with Fr. Joseph Hitpas, OMI presiding. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in New Baden.
Visitation will be Sunday, October 1, 2023 from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. and again Monday, October 2, 2023 from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden.
In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to Mater Dei Catholic High School or Nashville Sports Boosters and will be received at the visitation or by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 105 S. Main St. Trenton, IL 62293, who is serving the family.
