Donna Mae Jefferis

Donna (Hilde) Jefferis died peacefully on February 17, 2020, in San Diego, California. Donna was born on November 18, 1929 to Elmer Ray and Lillian Rose (Hynek) Hilde. She attended Minot, North Dakota State College and graduated in 1949 with a Standard Teaching Credential. She and her husband, Fred Jefferis, were married on August 27, 1949. Donna taught in Minot for three years before moving to San Diego, where she joined her husband, who had been called to active duty as a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve.

She continued her career as an educator in 1954 with San Diego City Schools. In 1959 she was selected to be a State Reading Specialist and served various schools throughout the district. Donna always furthered her own education and ultimately became a school principal. All of this was done while maintaining a beautiful home and raising two children. Her last position was as a principal at Pacific Beach Elementary School.

Following her retirement, in 1986, she and her husband traveled extensively throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. She also enjoyed numerous trips with her grandchildren, spending time with family and friends on other adventures, and entertaining them in the Baja, Mexico beach house they had built in 1979.

Donna is survived by her husband Fred of San Diego; children Tom of San Diego, Mary Jane (Jack) Niotta of Henderson, NV; four grandchildren; two great grandchildren; brother Dr. Thomas (Dianne) Hilde of Bryan, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her parents.

In lieu of flowers, if you desire, the family suggests a donation to your favorite charity.