Donna Jean Gross Cheramie

Donna Jean Gross Cheramie unexpectedly passed away October 17, 2023.  She was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota September 20, 1948. Daughter of the late Donald A. Gross, Sr. and Thelma Alice Clifton Gross Zeringue.  Donna is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Guy M. Cheramie; her son, Brian M. Cheramie; her grandchildren Vanessa C. Cheramie and Brian L. Cheramie as well as her brother, Donald A. Gross, Jr.; and her sister, Elizabeth G. Plaisance, (Norris); as well as an extended family of uncles, cousins, nieces & nephews.  Donna loved being a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend to all.  She was a cancer survivor since 2005.  Donna graduated from Archbishop Blenk High School in 1966 and attended Southwestern University majoring in Fine Arts and was a prolific tole artist.  One of Donna’s creations for the Jerusalem Shrine Circus was displayed in the “International Tole Societies Magazine” which is circulated worldwide.  Donna was a long-time member of the New Orleans Chapter of the National Society of Decorative Painters for which she served in several capacities including treasurer, membership chairman and president.  One of the Chapter’s big events is a weekend painting retreat. Donna organized a skit to give the oldest member a birthday present in a special and memorable way. Donna dressed up like Big Bird and led members in a second line with her umbrella bouncing to the beat of “Bye Bye Birdie!” You never heard so much laughter in your life but, of course, wherever Donna was, there was fun and laughter.  For another project, Donna painted and rehabbed a host of suitcases, filled them with supplies foster children needed and donated them to Louisiana State Children’s Services.  She also painted children’s faces at the Shrine Circus.  She loved making everyone happy, especially children. Donna’s friends have told me they feel so lucky to have been blessed by Donna’s friendship.  Donna served as Worthy Matron of Saints John No. 35 Order of the Eastern Star, Goddess of the Daughters of the Nile, and was a member of the Daughters of the Desert and the Southeast Louisiana Daylily Society.  She worked in the insurance industry in various positions and was an Assistant Vice President Commercial Casualty Underwriter, when she retired from Marsh McLennan in 1995.  Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Donna’s life on Saturday, January 6, 2024 beginning at Noon until 4:00 PM at Jerusalem Shrine Center, 1940 Ormond Blvd, Destrehan, LA 70047.  MOTHE FUNERAL HOME is assisting the family during this difficult time.  Family and friends may offer condolences at mothefunerals.com