Donna Jean Mooney was a wife, a mother, a teacher, and a swimming official. In October 2005, she suddenly passed away leaving a legacy of devotion to the sport of swimming which we, the Rochester-Monroe County Swimming Officials hope to maintain by keeping her memory alive through the Donna Jean Mooney Memorial Award
By the end of her first five years as an official, Donna had acheived the rating of "referee" in a time when most women were content to remain at the level of judge. She was a teacher and used her teaching skills to help her fellow officials improve their own techniques. As Second Vice President she was put in charge of implementing and supervising an effective rating system for the advancement of officials. Donna helped with training sessions for not only new officials by also for the seasoned veterans. Her extraordinary guidance came naturally. She had a knack for knowing what a person needed. Donna had a positive spririt and her optimism seemed to rub off on the people around her.
Donna was highly respected by her colleagues. It was more than her many years of experience and meticulous professional attitude that earned her such admiration. Donna's endless passion for the sport was reflected in everything that she did. Donna loved swimming and swimmers. Her husband says, "When she put on her uniform, she glowed with happiness." Officiating was her outlet and she felt that being with the kids kept her young. Donna was always a pleasure to work with. Sheh made everyone feel like an essential part of the team. No matter how hectic and hot a swim meet was, Donna always kept her cool. The award given in her name reflects her spirit, longevity, and dedication to the sport of swimming.