Donna Marie Mennona Dilks , July 13, 1966 — December 31, 2018

Donna Marie’s Obituary Donna Marie Mennona Dilks, 52, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2018 at home surrounded by family. Her many life chapters led her to New York, New Jersey, England and Kansas City. Wherever she went, Donna inspired others with her radiance, empathy and humor.

Donna was born in New York City on July 13, 1966 and was raised in the West Bronx. After moving to Nutley, New Jersey in 1976, she became an accomplished writer and actor and was admitted to the prestigious Mason Gross School of Arts at Rutgers University. At Rutgers, Donna became an editor for the University Press, going on to work for Springer-Verlag, a scientific publisher in the Flatiron Building.

After five years at Kallir-Philips-Ross, a pharmaceuticals advertising company in NYC, Donna took a position at UMKC in the Development Office and Creative Services. She quickly became a powerhouse of collaboration, creativity and precision. Donna donated a kidney to her mother in 2006.

In June 2009 she was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer and endured a series of surgeries and treatments. She participated in a number of scientific trials and lived an energetic life despite the disease. Throughout, she focused on love, compassion and beauty.

Donna is survived by her husband, Stephen Dilks; her children Sara-Jessica and Griffin; her parents Francis Mennona and Cecilia (Canning) Mennona; and her brother Paul Mennona. Visitations are at St. Elizabeth Parish at 5-7pm on Friday, Jan. 4 and 1pm-1:30pm on Saturday, Jan.

5. Requiem Mass will be held at 1:30pm on Saturday, Jan. 5, followed by a celebration of life at Drexel Hall, 3301 Baltimore Avenue, from 3pm-6pm.

All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kansas City Public Library at 14 W. 10th St. Kansas City, MO 64105. Note on the memo line Donna Dilks Memorial Fund, Waldo Branch.

Condolences may be expressed at www. MuehlebachChapel.com.

If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.