Early Bird

In memoriam

Remembering the life of Donna Zewe-Potempa.

By Lindsey Coulter

May 16, 2019

Donna Lynn Zewe-Potempa died May 7 at Longmont United Hospital following a courageous battle with cancer.

Zewe-Potempa served Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Department of History as an academic-program coordinator for nearly eight years before leaving in 2017 to manage her illness. She was a proud Roadrunner with several significant ties to the University community. Her mother Judy Zewe worked as associate vice president of Human Resources for seven years before retiring in 2013. Her daughter Brittany Samm graduated from MSU Denver in 2017 with a double major in History and Anthropology.

Zewe-Potempa was especially proud of her long career in higher-education administration, having worked at Regis University before she joined MSU Denver. She was happiest spending time with her family, including her daughter and husband, as well as with her friends and beloved Chihuahuas.

Her MSU Denver friends and colleagues remember her as hardworking, intelligent and dedicated, and noted that her brave, years-long fight against incredible health challenges was an inspiration.

A celebration of Zewe-Potempa’s life will be held at Olinger Highland Mortuary, 10201 Grant St., Thornton, on Saturday at 11 a.m.