Donna Dell Whittington Burridge

Donna Dell Whittington Burridge, age 77, passed away peacefully, Friday, May 1, 2026 in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.

She was born Tuesday, September 14, 1948 in New Orleans to Walter “Buster” and Adele Whittington.

Donna graduated from West Jefferson High School in 1966 and Southeastern Louisiana University with a degree in education in 1970.

Donna taught in both public and private schools for more than 20 years, including many years at Salem Lutheran Elementary in Gretna.

After retirement, Donna moved to Ponchatoula, where she enjoyed spending time with her husband Jack and her many pets over the decades - dogs Jacque and Charlie; cats Kiki, Kira, Momma Scratch, Sweet Pea, Elsa and Smokey Joe; and cockatoo bird Snowy.

Donna loved reading books, watching movies and visiting with her grandchildren Cameron and Dylan Samuels, regularly taking them to zoos and museums in Baton Rouge and Houston.

Donna is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister Leslie Guise and her step-daughter Kimberly Burridge Stewart.

Donna is survived by her sister Pamela Adams; first spouse Marc (Maylee) Samuels; her son Matt (Kristy) Samuels; grandchildren Cameron and Dylan Samuels; and nieces Kim Guise (Collin), Kelli Guise and Amanda Adams (Johnny) Vincent; brother-in-law Pat Guise, sisters-in-law Lynda (John) Gay, Paulette (Joseph) Kohrs, Annette (Duane Sr.) Kortas; and brother-in-law Thomas C. (Maria) Burridge.

Donations can be made in her name to an animal shelter or charity of your choice.

Donna's arrangements have been entrusted to LN Hughes Funeral Services of Ponchatoula.