Donna Marie (Otto) Adams passed away after a brief illness on Monday, December 20, 2021. On June 15, 1945, Donna was born as the third child of Lawrence F. Otto and Alice Eudora Otto. Donna was a lifelong resident of Indianapolis, IN. In 1950 her family moved to Franklin Township, and Donna graduated from Franklin Central High School in 1963. At Franklin Central High School, she was a Varsity cheerleader and the Junior Prom Queen. Donna was extremely proud of her sobriety since 1983, was active in Alcoholics Anonymous, and lived as an example for others in recovery. In 1989 Donna married, Dennis (Denny) Adams. She remained married to Denny until his death. For the last 20 plus years of her life, she resided in the Windsor Park area of Indianapolis’ Near East Side, where she was well known for her conversation skills, usually over a cigarette, her love of bonfires at Fletcher Park, and opinionated dialog. Donna also was an avid Folk Dancer, a fan of Tom Brady, Johnny Carson, Stephen Colbert, and a lifelong liberal. Donna was also an animal lover and volunteered at FACE for many years. Employees and patrons of Needler’s Fresh Market and Whole Foods knew her well as she engaged anyone that cared to interact, especially around closing time. Donna was a friend to all and a genuinely good person who cared deeply for her friends. Donna loved her 1994 Green Volvo Station wagon and cruising around Downtown Indianapolis with her Dog Fritz to visit the horse and carriages on Monument Circle. On May 4, 2021, Donna suffered a stroke and worked hard to recover her sense of humor before her death! She passed peacefully with complications from Covid 19 at Methodist Hospital surrounded by her loved ones. Her family and friends want to acknowledge a special thank you to the therapists, nurses, and CNA’s at Altenheim Assisted Living Center in Beech Grove, Indiana, who were so kind and compassionate to Donna during her time recovering from her stroke. All will miss her, especially her family and countless neighbors and friends in Windsor Park. Donna had a strong faith that she readily discussed and was an avid reader of scripture; Heaven has gained another angel. May she remain in peace with her animals, dancing folk in the sky. Donna was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dennis, and her older brother David L. Otto, and countless beloved dogs and cats. Donna is survived by her sister Diana Otto of Indianapolis, many nieces and nephews, and her cat, Baby. Donna will be interred February 5th at 2:00 at Washington Park East in a crypt with her parents. There was no visitation per Donna’s request. In the Windsor Park Neighborhood, a memorial service is planned for April 20, 2022, at 12:00 noon at Fletcher Park (429 Brookside Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46201), where a tree will be planted in her honor. Please join us and share your stories of remembrance. Should anyone wish to acknowledge her passing with a gift, they are asked to contribute to FACE, Lyn House Community Center, or Spades Park Branch Library.
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