Donna M. Bolander

Donna Marie Bolander

After a long illness, Donna Bolander, at age 67, died peacefully at Autumn Lake in Crofton on February 10, 2025.

Donna Bolander (nee Ritz) was born on August 11, 1957 to Robert Raymond Ritz and Marie Rita Pilkonis Ritz. She was the youngest of their three children. Her older sister, Christine, taught English, and her older brother, Robert, taught social studies and was an assistant principal. 

Donna attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) and graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Donna worked at Monsignor Slade Catholic School as a first grade math and science teacher for twenty-seven years. She was much loved by her colleagues and students and was known for her kindness, compassion, gentle spirit, and professionalism. Donna viewed teaching as her greatest accomplishment and always enjoyed building a close relationship with her students. Recognized for being a highly competent and respected teacher, she was nominated for Teacher of the Year.

Donna was well known for her love of animals and nature. Her favorite childhood memory was when the family got a dog named Skippy. She took any available opportunity to teach her first graders about nature, such as the time she had them gather quickly at her classroom windows to view a large hawk, perched on a pole outside. 

Donna married Paul Bolander on December 22, 1981 at St. Rose of Lima Church. They spent their years together living in Maryland. Paul worked as a draftsman and was a drummer in a band. The couple enjoyed music, walking their dog, Stanley, and Donna especially loved cooking for Paul. The two were happily married for eighteen years.

Predeceased by her parents, her sister Christine and her husband Paul, Donna is survived by her brother, Robert. She will be treasured in memory by many friends, students, and colleagues.

Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the family owned and operated MCCULLY POLYNIAK & COLLINS FUNERAL HOME, P. A. 3204 Mountain Road PASADENA on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 7:30 pm. A Memorial service will be held on Tuesday at 7:30 pm.

Memorial donations to honor and remember Donna should be directed to an animal help organization. Rise Above Animal Rescue Sanctuary, Rude Ranch Animal Rescue or the SPCA of Anne Arundel County at the links below are among those serving Anne Arundel County.