Donna Belle Calvert

For those unable to attend Donna's Celebration of Life, you may register at the following link to view the service live stream: 

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=fe07a373-2330-46f7-8f26-83ca0ee0c34f

Donna Belle Calvert, age 89, passed away surrounded by family at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg on Saturday, November 8, 2025. She was born October 30, 1936 the daughter of Myron and Sara (Maddrell) Williams in Beloit, WI.

Donna attended Evansville High School and later graduated from Hayward High School. She received her BS in English from UW River Falls. Donna taught High School English, Journalism, and Media for many years and retired from Madison East High School where she taught for 29 years. Donna also served as Advisor for “The Tower Times”, East High’s school newspaper. She was a member of the Friendship Force of Madison and she formed many friendships near and far while traveling to many countries and hosting visitors in her home. Donna was a lover of the arts and volunteered as an usher for many years at the Overture Center and American Player’s Theater. She was an avid Packer and Badger Football fan and held season tickets for many years and she also enjoyed the 5th quarter UW Marching Band performances. Family was most important to Donna. She especially enjoyed taking grandchildren on trips, attending their sporting events, and taking them to the Overture Center. Donna enjoyed camping with family at Lake Camelot in the town of Rome. Donna was also a nature lover and enjoyed feeding the birds and squirrels and tending to the flowers and plants in her yard.

Donna is survived by her children; Carolyn (Todd) Madaus of Marshall, WI, Damon Calvert of Madison, and Gail (Chris) Goehrig of Durango, CO, her grandchildren; Kaila Busk of Carbondale, CO, Jeremy Goehrig of Toledo, OH, Cody (Caitlyn Fastenau) Madaus of Santa Rosa, CA, and Sierra (Nick Maersch) Madaus, of West Allis, WI, and a cousin, Barb Eddy of Beloit, WI. She was preceded in death by her parents, Myron and Sara Williams.

A celebration of Donna’s life will be held Friday, November 14, 2025 at the Cress Center, 6021 University Ave., Madison, WI 53705. A visitation will be held from 10:00 am until 11:30 am, followed at 11:30 by a tribute and time of sharing stories and memories. Burial will take place at the Benton United Methodist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in Donna’s name to Second Harvest Food Bank, or Agrace HospiceCare.

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Center

6021 University Ave. Madison

(608) 238-8406