Donna Marie Kestel

On July 5, 2025, Donna Marie Kestel, beloved Mom and YaYa, tap danced her way into Heaven. Her body could no longer keep up with her vivacious spirit here on Earth, and she passed peacefully surrounded by family as she transitioned home to the Lord.

Donna was an only child, born in Louisville, KY and raised in Houston, TX by Prather and Margaret Fort. She received her dental hygienist training from the University of Louisville’s dental school where she met her loving husband of 45 years, Dr. David Kestel, before moving to Fort Polk, LA. After their army years, they settled in Lake Charles, LA in 1975 where David had his private dental practice, and Donna wore the hats of operations manager and bookkeeper.

Donna was pure joy and lived a life of gratitude. She delighted in her most cherished roles of loving wife, mother, grandmother (YaYa), daughter and friend. Her vibrant love of life and laughter were contagious. Her radiant smile lit up a room and the twinkle in her eye matched her joyful spirit.

Donna also never met a stranger and was extremely generous, compassionate and kind. She was an avid sports fan, which made for many animated conversations between her and her sons-in-law, nephews and countless friends. She continued to be an enthusiastic supporter of the University of Louisville Cardinals but loved all sports and could give you the stats and backstory of most players.

Although not born and raised in Lake Charles, Donna made this her home and gave generously of her time and unique gifts to the community. She was an engaged member of the Junior League of Lake Charles, taking on leadership roles including Placement Chair, Bayou Echoes / Stable Talk Chair, Admissions & Provisional Advisor and served as a Sustaining Advisor to many committees over the years. Her most treasured accomplishments in the League were as Chair of the Cookbook Committee and Co-Editor of the 10th Anniversary special edition of Pirate’s Pantry, a collection of family and regional recipes.

She was also a member of the Newcomers Club of the Lake Area, helping new residents connect within the community, and the Dental Auxiliary, finding fun and creative ways to promote dental health education. She sparkled like the sequins of Mardi Gras and was proud to celebrate the season as a member of the Krewe Des Amis for many decades.

Donna was also a passionate supporter of the arts, a “ballet mom” who loved watching her girls dance in The Nutcracker and served on the board of the Lake Charles Ballet Society. It gave her great joy to see The Nutcracker legacy continue, proudly sponsoring and supporting the Lake Area Ballet Theatre organization. Her deep appreciation for Broadway came from spending many happy times with family and friends exploring New York City and catching as many shows as possible. This is a passion she passed on to her girls as well.

“Miss Donna” shaped the lives of many children and families for more than 20 years when she returned to work in the office of Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School. She adored getting life updates on former students and celebrated their successes as if they were all her own family members. Donna also delighted in gardening and was active in the Planters’ League of Lake Charles.

Her faith was central to her being and for many years she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School at University United Methodist Church. Most recently, she was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Lake Charles. She embraced the role of discipleship by caring for others through prayer and service on the Caring Committee. As a 35+ year cancer survivor, she lived a life of gratitude and shared her light with others daily.

Donna was happiest spending time with her family and dear friends. Other things that brought her immense joy include: the beach and listening to the waves, travel and exploring new places, all things Kentucky Derby (including the mint juleps!), tap dancing to the Rockettes during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, hostessing like a pro, toasting to her many blessings, listening to all genres of music, dancing in her living room, sitting on her porch with an unsweet iced tea surrounded by her colorful landscape, appreciating the delights of nature and bird watching.

Those left to cherish her memory are her daughters Amy Kestel (Dave Lewis) of Fort Worth, TX and Stephanie Kestel Karpovs (Dr. Anatole Karpovs) of Lake Charles, LA and her precious grandchildren Nikolai and Clara Karpovs, and Jett Bays; her loving companion John Scott; her mother-in-law Alline Kestel; sisters-in-law Jennifer Harris and Willyne Kestel; niece Kimberly Harris Presson (Danny) and her great-niece and great-nephew; and many loving friends who were considered family too. She was preceded in death by her husband Dr. David Kestel, her parents, father-in-law, and brother-in-law.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Donna on August 2, 2025 at 1:30 pm in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church of Lake Charles, LA. The family will receive visitors at the church in Paxton Hall directly before the service from 12:30pm to 1:30pm. Reverend Weldon Bares and Reverend Frances “Boo” Kay will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Donna Kestel’s name to First United Methodist Church of Lake Charles at 812 Kirkman Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601; Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School at 803 N. Division St, Lake Charles, LA 70601 or MD Anderson Cancer Center.