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Donna Lee Chapmon, 86

| March 29, 2020 1:00 AM

The world has lost one of the kindest, most selfless humans most of us will ever have the honor of knowing.

Donna Lee Chapmon passed away on March 13, 2020.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Aleta Poncin; her beloved brothers, Richard Carey and Dave Poncin; and her sister, Elaine Poncin. Donna is survived by her daughter, Rebekah; son-in-law, Apollo; and granddaughter, Teah. She is also survived by her sister Joan Ortmann, nieces and nephews in Montana, Iowa, Texas, and Kansas ­— and many dear friends across the country.

Donna was diagnosed with brain cancer in early February, which she faced with the same strength and determination she demonstrated every day of her life. Sadly, it soon became apparent that her Lord was calling her home.

Donna was born July 14, 1933 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was the fourth of five children and the youngest sister. Donna earned her teaching degree at the University of Montana, and spent the 1960s, teaching on military bases throughout Europe, where weekend jaunts created a lifetime of memories and stories. Donna eventually settled in Polson where she taught all ages, including special education, but preferred kindergarten because the children were still in love with the adventure of school.

Donna had an unwavering love of people and a penchant to do unto others. In 1970, she sponsored Chai Srichai, from Thailand, to come live with her and finish his education. Eight years later, Donna’s niece, Deb, gave her the gift she had always wanted — a child of her own. From the moment Donna adopted Rebekah, at 4 days old, both of their lives were transformed. Their bond was unbreakable. Despite being a single mother, there was never want.

Mrs. Chapmon, as she was known, retired from teaching in 1985 from Cherry Valley in Polson. There was a brief vacation before moving to Hughes Bay in Lakeside and taking in four foster children. Others would come as well, all in need of stability, love, and joy in their lives. Even in retirement, Donna couldn’t help but take care of others. She worked at daycares, babysat, and nannied. Nearing her 70s, she realized children were too quick for her and began caring for older women. In her free time, she would sneak off to orphanages in Brazil and Russia for “vacations.”

In 2007, Donna’s granddaughter, Teah, was born. The love Donna had previously shown the world was fully focused on this child. Ever the teacher, there was a song, story, or craft for everything. Her greatest joy in recent years, and one of her final wishes, was to watch Teah play basketball.

In the final weeks of Donna’s life, Rebekah took great solace in the number of people whose lives her mother had touched. It is a testament to her character that so many people, across generations, cared so deeply for her. She was as loyal and loving to her friends as she was to her family — the absence of her phone calls and conversations will be felt by them as much as anyone. The strength of her spirit will live on through all those who called her their friend.

A funeral will be announced when the world is in a calmer place. Per Donna’s wishes, she will be cremated and buried, under a crabapple tree so that everyone knows when it blossoms in the spring she is there, and she can feed the birds and deer throughout the year.