Brenda Mae Donofrio, 77, Newburgh
With grateful hearts and joyful memories, we celebrate the life of Brenda Mae Donofrio, 77, of Newburgh, Indiana, who passed away on December 7, 2025.
Born in Jasper, Indiana, to Joseph Howard Webber and Elsie Mae (Bauernfiend) Webber, Brenda’s life was a beautiful testament to faith, family, and the power of education.
Brenda attended Catholic schools throughout her life, beginning at Holy Family Grade School in Jasper and continuing at the Academy of the Immaculate Conception. After graduating from the Academy, she studied for two years at St. Benedict’s College, later earning her undergraduate degree from Indiana State University and a master’s degree from the University of Evansville. Her devotion to lifelong learning became the foundation of a remarkable career in education.
From fifth graders to college seniors, Brenda brought out the best in her students, instilling confidence, curiosity, and kindness with every lesson. Her journey as an educator spanned 51 years and included 13 years teaching junior high at Holy Redeemer School, two years as principal at Good Shepherd, and three years at Memorial High School. Brenda also taught speech at the University of Southern Indiana, served as a high school speech coach, and coordinated the Diocese’s junior high speech program. She concluded her remarkable career with 31 years at Mater Dei High School, where she retired in 2022.
In 1997, Brenda was honored as Teacher of the Year by the Catholic Diocese of Evansville—an award that reflected what students, colleagues, and parents had known for years: Brenda’s classroom was a place of joy, encouragement, and possibility.
Brenda dedicated her entire teaching career to the Catholic Diocese of Evansville, where her warmth and excellence shaped generations of students.
Brenda married the late William Daniel Donofrio, and together, family was the heart of both their worlds. She is survived by her daughters Ellen Donofrio, Gina (Drew) Neel, and Nikki Donofrio. The greatest joys of her life were her grandchildren—Si, Sol, Siana, Danielle, Salea, Dylan, and Matteo—whose accomplishments and laughter filled her days with light. She celebrated every milestone, offered gentle wisdom during every challenge, and loved each of them with a grandmother’s boundless pride.
Brenda is survived by her siblings Donna (Howard) Slather, Doug (Margaret) Webber, Anita (Keith) Hedinger, Paula (Eric) Getzin, Tresea Boyd, and Lauri (Bret) Ackerman.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister Pamela (who died in infancy), and her brother, David “Slick” Webber.
Brenda’s legacy lives on in the countless students she inspired, the colleagues she encouraged, and the family she cherished. We will remember her welcoming smile, her patient guidance, and the way she made everyone feel seen and capable. In honoring Brenda, we carry forward her example: to teach with heart, lead with humility, and love without measure.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Alexander Newburgh Chapel, 5333 State Road 261, Newburgh, IN 47630. Visitation will continue on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to service time at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 1301 S. Green River Road, Evansville, IN 47715. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m.on Tuesday at the church with Fr. Bernie Etienne officiating.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Newburgh Healthcare and Heritage Hospice for their kindness, compassion, and support during this difficult time.
Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNewburghChapel.com
