Happy birthday in Heaven, my beautiful friend. Please keep watch over us. I love you and miss you everyday.

Donna, my baby sister, you were an accomplished woman, a loving wife and mother, and my best friend. Over the years we grew to value and respect each other's opinions, even if we didn't always agree. We understood each other's sarcastic sense of humor which was great because not everyone appreciates that. My kids knew they could depend on you and that you loved them wholeheartedly. We talked everyday, shared our worries, and listened to each other's complaints and "can you believe it" stories. I don't know what I will do now. I have lost a piece of me.

Even though I've only known Donna a short time, she quickly became a friend. Her warm smile, loving heart, and giving spirit radiated to everyone around her. I loved sitting and chatting with her after work and sometimes we lost track of the time. I will miss her very much. I know that she will be around and letting Erika know she is with her. She is a powerful angel.

I meet Donna through her beautiful daughter Erika. It seemed Donna & I shared a mutual chronic illness, Lupus. We quickly became friends sharing common conversations and feelings, which we both understood. I soon, learned Donna's talent and skills, and she soon became involved with No Stigma Network, Inc. playing a vital role in the Professional Advisory Committee and the Grant Coordinator/Writer.

Donna was an amazing person who had a contiguous smile and a laughter that would light up the dullest moment. She was everyone's friend who didn't say much but when she responded it was to the point, surrounded by wisdom, full of humor.

I will forever cherish our wonderful memories of conversation, laughter, understanding each other, and sharing. May the Wings of the Angels comfort you as you Rest in Peace my dear friend.

God Bless, Shrabanee

Donna became involved in our local nonprofit just over a year ago. She so kindly offered to help us build and grow the organization by donating her time and energy. Donna was such a sweet and gentle presence at our get- togethers, but definitely showed a wonderful sense of humor. We honor her service and will always remember her lovely spirit. Rest in peace, gentle soul.

I had the pleasure of meeting Donna at Open Door. Come to find out our paths had most likely crossed when she was a volunteer at CASA and I a social worker involved with the same children. She had the same compassion and determination then that she did when she arrived at Open Door. She made everyone feel so welcomed, and loved...from the volunteers to the clients. Donna loved that I spelled my name "the right way" and whenever she found something that spelled Erika with a K...not only did she buy one for her lovely daughter, but for me as well. But that was Donna...always going above and beyond for others. She will be extremely missed by all.

Erika Woods

I did not know Donna very long or very well. However, she came across as a very caring and wonderful person. I enjoyed sharing time with her hen we teamed up on some community activities. I am so sorry for this loss and Donna will be missed.

Sincerely

Maggie Beekman

How do you say goodbye to the best friend you've ever had? Donna and I have been best friends for almost 46 years. We met at a mutual friend's party and hit it off immediately. She lived on the same street as my boyfriend/future husband in Woodhaven, NY. We attended different high schools, but we made time to spend together as often as we could. A few years later, we introduced her to Pasquale, who was my husband's best friend. Luckily, they started dating! Donna and I both got married in the same year and were in each other's bridal parties. We lived only a couple of streets away, after we were married, and especially enjoyed our yearly Christmas brunches before going on to celebrate the holiday with our own families. She was godmother to my youngest daughter, Kristin. Pasquale and Donna moved to New Jersey and we to Suffolk County on Long Island. It made getting together much more difficult for us, however we still kept in touch. Life got in the way and we didn't keep in contact as much as we should have, however, when we were able to visit, we picked up right where we left off, as no time had passed. In the last decade we were able to visit each other more often. We grieved with Donna and Erika as Pasquale lost his brave cancer battle in 2011. Donna and I made sure that we emailed each other every single day, which continued up until this month when she entered the hospital. How i will miss her humorous, late night emails, detailing the day-to-day things. Her life and emails were always more interesting than mine were. She had a wicked sense of humor and was the most loving, caring person I knew. My heart is broken. I will miss you forever.