Obituary of Donna Elaine Schiener LaClaire

Donna Elaine Schiener  LaClaire, 67, died at home November 11, 2021 after a brief illness.

Donna was born  December 5, 1953 in Springville, NY.

She was employed as an office manager for Harbor Petroleum of Melbourne. She will be greatly missed by her employer and many friends and relatives.  

Donna graduated from the State University of New York at Brockport in 1975 with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology.  She married her college sweetheart Richard in 1977.  After an aborted attempt to “see the world”, Donna and Rick found themselves in Melbourne in the fall of 1979 with 40 dollars and a tent.   They fell in love with Brevard  County and made it their permanent home in 1987, eventually settling in Melbourne Beach.

An accomplished photographer, strong swimmer and lover of nature, she helped build and maintain the place she loved the most, her beachside home.  To know her was to love her, and her sudden loss is deeply felt.

She was preceded in death by her sister Kathi and her parents, Robert and Eleanor Schiener

Donna is survived by her loving and devoted husband Rick, two wonderful children Thomas (Alana) LaClaire and Susan (Douglas) Matuszak, her grandson Cameron Matuszak, her sister Diane (Andrew) Battaglia, her brothers John (Denise) Schiener and Eric (Tiffany) Schiener , many nephews and one niece.

Donna’s life will be remembered and celebrated on Thursday, November 18, 2021 from 12 Noon to 3:00 PM at Djon’s Steak and Lobster House, 522 Ocean Avenue, Melbourne Beach.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to the American Cancer Society.