Donna Kay Lovett Benge, retired paralegal
Donna Kay Lovett Benge of Wilmington passed away Wednesday, March 1, 2023. She was born in Wilmington to Paul D. Lovett and Marjorie Jones Lovett.
Donna was a graduate of A.I. DuPont High School and the University of Delaware. Shortly after graduating, she went on to become a paralegal and began a lifelong career in real estate title examination.
Donna was a diligent and thorough title searcher, knowing the ins and outs of the real estate world, and a critical resource for many in the real estate title business. She worked for First American Title Insurance for over 20 years and retired in December of last year.
She was a devoted yet laid-back mother of the ‘80s, allowing her three children to be themselves, thrive and handle the world on their own terms. Her children called her whenever they needed a nonjudgemental, thoughtful problem solver who could also level them with her sarcastic one-liners.
One of her greatest gifts which she was able to pass on to her children is resilience. Sarah, Laura and JP looked to her as the North Star for how to get up when you get knocked down.
In 2007, Donna was diagnosed with cancer, which required major surgery and extensive treatment. Every doctor who treated her would remark that she was one of the strongest people they have ever met. Donna continued to live her life to the fullest, despite the challenges bestowed upon her.
Donna loved to travel, read, and spend time at her beach house in Rehoboth Beach, where her family had long had roots and owned Oak Grove Motor Court. Growing up, she spent all her summers working at the beach and passed on the love of the area to her children.
Donna’s grandchildren were one of the greatest joys of her life. She traveled frequently to Maine and Florida to visit. She enjoyed spoiling them at Christmas, her favorite holiday.
Donna will be deeply missed by her children; Laura Benge Gallet, Sarah Benge Trejo and John P. Benge; her sons-in-law, Nicolas Gallet and Troy Trejo; and by her five grandchildren, Alexandre Gallet, Paloma Trejo, Georgette Gallet, Vivienne Gallet and Fernando Trejo, who lovingly knew her as Gaga. She had many adoring nieces and nephews, who will miss Aunt Donna.
Donna will be missed by her companion, Stacey Smith, with whom she spent many years.
Donna is survived by her three brothers, Douglass Lovett, Paul D. Lovett Jr. and James M. Lovett, who are all still vying for the title of favorite brother.
She is predeceased by her parents, Marjorie Jones Lovett and Paul DeWitt Lovett.
Services for Donna will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 7, at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington. Family and friends are invited to share their memories of Donna at the service.
