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Brevard Journalist Donna Skattum Passes Away At 54

By  //  August 17, 2014

fought valiant battle against colon cancer

BREVARD COUNTY • PALM BAY, FLORIDA – Longtime Brevard County journalist and media personality Donna Skattum died at the age of 54 Sunday after fighting a valiant battle against colon cancer for the past four years.

Longtime Brevard County journalist and media personality Donna Skattum, above with husband Jon, died at the age of 54 Sunday after fighting a valiant battle against colon cancer for the past four years.
Longtime Brevard County journalist and media personality Donna Skattum, above with husband Jon, died at the age of 54 Sunday after fighting a valiant battle against colon cancer for the past four years. (SpaceCoastDaily.com image)

She passed away at the William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay with her husband Jon, and mother Margaret Weir at her bedside.

Donna and Jon, who were married for 31 years, moved to Brevard County in 1986 and both have enjoyed long careers in the journalism and advertising fields on the Space Coast.

Most recently, Donna was a community fixture at many philanthropic happenings as the events editor for SpaceCoast Living magazine where she worked since 2008. Beginning in 2003, she covered the social and philanthropic scene with her “On the Town” column for Florida Today.

“I had the pleasure to know Donna for almost 20 years, and she was a consummate professional and ardent supporter of the philanthropic community in Brevard County,” said Tom Palermo, president and publisher of Maverick Multimedia.

Donna Skattum enjoyed a long career in both print and broadcast journalism on the Space Coast. Donna, above left, on set with astronaut Alan Shepard, second from left, husband Jon Skattum, second from right, and James L. Neihouse during a shoot for the Astronaut Hall of Fame in 1995. (Image courtesy of James L. Neihouse)
Donna Skattum enjoyed a long career in both print and broadcast journalism on the Space Coast. Donna, above left, on set with astronaut Alan Shepard, second from left, husband Jon Skattum, second from right, and James L. Neihouse during a shoot for the Astronaut Hall of Fame in 1995. (Image courtesy of James L. Neihouse)

“Her incredible work ethic and positive outlook throughout her illness, and Jon’s unwavering support, was inspirational.”

Beth Gitlin of the Women’s Business Center at Florida Tech, summed up Donna’s effect on their lives for all that knew her, “I’m so saddened to hear this news. You have been one amazing woman and I’m so glad to call you a fellow Dickinsonian and heartened by you and your good will and friendship these last few years. I’ve known you for too short a time, but your spirit, your courage and your energy will stay with me forever and our dragon boat team of cancer survivors will continue to dedicate our energy and efforts to serving the community in making a difference for those that have been diagnosed with cancer. We love you!”

Donna is survived by her husband Jon, mother Margaret Weir and her beloved Lhaso Apso, “Patches.”

A memorial service is in the planning stages and details will be announced soon.