Satory, Donna Katherine

Donna Katherine Satory

4/18/1947-1/12/2025

A Visitation and Funeral Mass will be held on Friday 1/24/25 at Queen of All Saints Catholic Church. Visitation: 10-11 a.m. Followed by a funeral mass. A procession to Resurrection Cemetery will follow and burial service.

Donna Katherine Satory was born on April 18,1947 at Deaconess Hospital nearby Forest Park to parents Lillian and John Littich. Donna had one older sister, Carolyn, who is now deceased. Donna’s mother recalled that she heard the roars of lions and tigers when she was in the maternity ward giving birth to Donna. A lioness would be a fit description of her nurturing qualities. She was an excellent listener and conversationalist, and acutely aware with a sixth sense recognizing when her daughter was struggling. She had a quick sense of humor-stories of her life and friends were shared every time you visited. She treasured and spoiled her adopted stray cat, Annie. Over the years, Donna lovingly cared for several pampered pets. Donna was a favored snuggle companion to them all. She enjoyed reading in the evenings and enjoying her recorded shows such as the Real Housewives. In her earlier years before her vision declined, she loved to embroider pictures, towels, and ornaments which were proudly displayed both in her home and by her family she gifted them to.

Donna was raised in an Affton gingerbread house-like bungalow on Rambler Drive. Her parents were second-generation Czech (Lillian) and Hungarian (John) immigrants. Lillian was recognized for her elaborate meals served on holidays, particularly her several varieties of Christmas cookies. The gift of hosting friends and family remained with Donna throughout the rest of her own life- and she enjoyed the tradition of making multiple varieties of cookies and cakes as well. There was never a birthday in the immediate family that was not accompanied with a baked cake and ice cream. She kept a spotless and cozy home everyone enjoyed visiting. She was always impeccably dressed for every occasion and enjoyed shopping for new clothes. She lived simply, modestly and was a bargain hunter and coupon clipper.

Donna was a faithful Catholic who attended mass every Sunday and Adoration on Tuesdays at Queen of All Saints Church. She enjoyed participating when she was able to in St Vincent De Paul Society activities at church. She served meals to the homeless and brought dishes to funeral luncheons, devoting her time to faithful activities. She had a collection of Catholic figures proudly displayed around the house- and revered the Holy Mother, Mary.

Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and summer BBQs were always at home based on traditional meals, gifts, and decorations commemorating every holiday and season. Shortly before her final Christmas holiday, Donna brought home an animated musical village with Santa and reindeer flying above. She was proud to show off this new display to her guests. On Donna’s final visit at her daughter’s home, she remarked as she looked around the home- that it was like a trip down memory lane for her. She enjoyed viewing the passed down old ornaments and heirlooms she had gifted- in the same home she and her adoring spouse Daniel raised her own daughter. She spent her final days in the same manner she spent her life creating joyful memories celebrating her final holidays with family and friends.

Donna’s only 12-year-old Grandson John loved sleepovers with his Grammy, and their home was a place of comfort for him. They would put together puzzles, color and draw pictures, and play games of Sorry, Dominos, Uno, and Old Maid. As John grew, they enjoyed weekend scary movies until late at night and had long conversations. They shared Brown Cows, bomb pops, and popcorn and John loved to raid the “snack drawer” in the kitchen. John will miss his Grammy’s company dearly and they were very close. Donna also enjoyed summer and fall weekend golf cart rides and the Lake views at the family Perryville Lake A frame. There were always stories after these trips- such as when Winnie the dog ate a whole box of donuts Donna had brought for breakfast- and John was initially targeted as the offender who ate the donuts.

While Donna did not give an outward indication her health was in jeopardy, she did struggle with various health conditions that required her attention and reduced her energy. She did not let her physical frailty hinder her cheerful disposition or mood and rarely complained about these difficulties. Donna’s warm company, beauty, grace, and smile will be forever cherished by her loved ones.

Donna is the beloved wife of spouse Daniel Satory, and is survived by one daughter Julie Satory, and one grandson John Dufek and John’s father, Jaroslav Dufek. She is the beloved sister-in-law of Robert and Sherryl Satory, David and Mary Ann Satory, and the late Dale Satory and Jackie Satory. Donna was a beloved aunt of many nieces and nephews. She is a cherished friend of Judy and Robert Brusselback. She is a cherished neighbor and friend to many more.