Donna Nagey Robertson, formerly of Mountain View Dr. Mars Hill peacefully passed away on December 26, 2023, at the Givens Estates Health Care Center .

Donna was born in Indiana, PA, to Frank and Helen (Miller) Nagey on November 16, 1935. In 1960, she married Joe Chris Robertson, and together they shared 40 years until his passing in 2000.

Donna graduated from Indiana State Teachers College (IUP) and pursued her graduate studies at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y. After graduating in 1958, she accepted a position as a Professor of Music at Mars Hill University in Mars Hill, N.C., teaching organ, piano, harpsichord, and theory-composition-related subjects. Her illustrious career spanned from 1958 to 2001, during which she played a vital role in the expansion of the music program from a junior college to a four-year institution and finally a university. Donna cared deeply for the musical integrity of the program and played a significant role in developing the Mars Hill Choral Series with Henshaw Press.

In addition to her role as college organist, she served as an organist in churches within the Asheville area. Though known as an organist, she insisted that the piano was her true love. Donna was active in the Asheville Piano Forum and the AGO and founded the Andoin Piano Trio, a professional ensemble well-recognized for its performances throughout the region. She also distinguished herself as a soloist, giving many recitals.

Donna was a prolific composer and arranger, leaving behind a body of over 100 published works, many of which were commissioned. As a composer, she was a poet at heart, and her compositions revealed a talent for word painting. Donna had a passion for writing and research. Her pursuit of family genealogy resulted in a book dedicated to her nieces and nephews.

Donna is survived by her sister, Nancy Schaadt; nieces, Jennifer Schaadt, Susan Schaadt Youngs (Christopher), Amy Schaadt Readshaw (Harry); a nephew, Richard Schaadt (Anne); sister-in-law, Elsie Marchant; niece Jennifer Marchant, and nephew Pieres Marchant.

The family expresses profound gratitude for the care and love provided by Givens Health Center and the Four Seasons Hospice service in Donna's final days.

A memorial service will be held at 11 o'clock AM, Saturday, February 3,2023 in Givens Chapel in the Asbury Commons, Asheville.

Blue Ridge Funeral and Cremation Service, Mars Hill is honored to be assisting the family.