Wilda Donegan's Obituary
Wilda Lea Donegan (Morey), age 96, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026, in Strongsville, Ohio. She lived a life defined by her love of music, devotion to education, commitment to excellence, and deep appreciation for family and friends.
Born in Salem, Ohio and raised on her family’s farm in Petersburg, Ohio, Wilda developed an early appreciation for hard work, discipline, and community. From a young age, she demonstrated a remarkable talent and passion for music. Throughout her school years, she actively participated in numerous musical programs and proudly served as a majorette in her high school marching band. These early experiences ignited a lifelong dedication to music that would shape both her career and her legacy.
Following high school, Wilda attended Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio, where she majored in Music Education and Violin while also pursuing minors in Piano and English. Her years at Baldwin Wallace laid the foundation for a distinguished career that would influence generations of students and educators. Upon graduating in 1951, she began her professional journey with the Cleveland Board of Education as an Elementary Instrumental Music Teacher. During her nine years in the classroom, from 1951 to 1960, she inspired young musicians and fostered a love of music in countless children.
In 1960, Wilda was appointed Supervisor of Music and Fine Arts for Vocal and Instrumental Music, serving both elementary and secondary schools throughout the Cleveland school system. Over the next twenty-five years, she became a respected leader in arts education, advocating for high-quality music programs and helping shape music instruction for thousands of students across the district. Her vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to educational excellence left a lasting impact on the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.
While building her professional career, Wilda remained dedicated to her own growth and learning. In 1966, she earned a Master of Arts degree in Educational Supervision from Case Western Reserve University, further strengthening her ability to lead and mentor fellow educators.
After retiring from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District in 1985, Wilda’s passion for education remained as strong as ever. She joined the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation as an Educational Consultant, where she spent an additional twenty-four years supporting teachers and educational programs throughout Ohio and nearby states. Her remarkable sixty-year career in education touched countless lives and reflected her enduring belief in the transformative power of learning and the arts.
Throughout her distinguished career, Wilda received numerous honors recognizing her contributions to music and education. Among her most cherished accolades were the Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music Achievement Award and the Cleveland Arts Prize for Creative Achievement in the Fine Arts. She also contributed to music education through her published work, most notably “Forty-Eight Folk Songs for Strings”, co-authored with Francis Grant. This collection, written for violin, viola, cello, string bass, and piano, continues to serve as a valuable resource for music educators and students.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, music remained a central part of Wilda’s personal life. She was a devoted member of Mu Phi Epsilon International Music Soroity for more than seventy-five years, maintaining lifelong friendships and supporting the advancement of musical excellence. Together with her beloved husband, Vernon, she embraced opportunities to explore the world. Their travels took them throughout the United States and abroad to Europe, China, Japan, Hong Kong, Greece, and many other destinations, including numerous memorable cruises. They shared a deep appreciation for culture, music, and learning, creating treasured memories wherever they went.
Wilda and Vernon were devoted patrons of the Cleveland Orchestra and held season tickets through 2010. Attending performances at Severance Hall was one of their greatest joys and reflected their lifelong commitment to supporting the arts. She also enjoyed spending time with family and friends and was for many years an active member of the United Methodist Church of Berea, where she found fellowship, faith, and community.
Those who knew Wilda remember her not only for her professional achievements but also for her intelligence, grace, generosity, and genuine interest in others. She was a mentor, educator, traveler, musician, and friend whose influence extended far beyond the classroom. Her legacy lives on in the countless students she inspired, the educators she supported, and the family members and friends who were fortunate to know and love her.
Wilda was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vernon A. Donegan; her parents, Myrtle Irene Schiller Morey and Irvin Gleason Morey; and her sisters, Leila Mae Strop and Wanda Irene Paulin.
She is survived by her nephews, Greg Miller (Maxine) and Doug Miller (Debbie); great-nephews and great-nieces, Jonathan Miller (Lindsay), Scott Miller (Kayla), Erin Miller, and Kim Klinger (Matt); and great-great-nephews and great-great-nieces, Chandler, Brock, Weston, Maddox, Lucas, Pyper, Emerson, and Olive, all of whom will cherish her memory and the lasting example of a life well lived.
Visitation will be held Tuesday June 23rd, 2026 at Jardine Funeral Home, 15822 Pearl Road, Strongsville, Ohio, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. A funeral service will immediately follow at 12:00 p.m. A private family interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Park.
In accordance with Wilda’s wishes, memorial contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to Severance Hall or the United Methodist Church of Berea.
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