Donna Elaine Fischer, lifelong educator
Donna Elaine Fischer of Lewes passed away peacefully Monday, March 2, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was born March 15, 1946, in Salisbury, Md., and was raised in Milford.
Donna was a lifelong educator, thinker, and community member who believed deeply in the power of learning and connection. She graduated as salutatorian from Milford High School in 1964. She went on to attend Swarthmore College, earning her bachelor of arts in 1968. She later received a master of education degree from Harvard University in 1975.
Donna began her career in education teaching in the California public school system from 1968-70. She later served as an administrator for the Montgomery County School District in Maryland from 1972 until she moved to New York City. Throughout her life, she served in many roles as a teacher, educator, administrator, and writer, always guided by her belief in thoughtful leadership and meaningful education. She also spent more than a decade working with the Private Industry Council in New York City and served on the board of directors of Fischer Enterprises Inc. in Milford from 1971 to 1988.
Donna felt deeply and loved deeply. She was an avid reader who found great joy in books, long walks, and being surrounded by people. She loved yoga, drum circles, book clubs, and music, including the music of the Grateful Dead. She had a passionate spirit, a sharp intellect, and a fierce devotion to the people and ideas she believed in.
Above all, Donna was immensely proud of her daughter, and her grandchildren were the true light of her life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert A. Fischer and Martha Ellen Fischer of Milford.
Donna is survived by her daughter, Martha Ellen “M.E.” David; her son-in-law, Erik David; her beloved grandchildren, Elliot David and Laina David; her sister, Debra A. Fischer; her brothers, Robert A. Fischer Jr. and Richard S. Fischer; her sisters-in-law, Linda Fischer and Kim Fischer; and many loving nieces, nephews, and their children.
A memorial service to celebrate Donna’s life will be held at 3 p.m., Friday, March 20, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Camp Arrowhead, 35268 Homestead Way, Lewes, DE 19958.
Donna will be remembered for her passionate spirit, her intellect, and the fierce love she shared with her family and friends. In the spirit of the music she loved, her family takes comfort in the words: “Fare thee well, fare thee well, I love you more than words can tell.”
Visit Donna’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
