Donna passed away peacefully at home on January 11, 2022 at the age
of 86. She is survived by her daughters, Melody Bruno, Melinda Adam
and her wife Gabriela Chapdelaine, foster daughter Janet Scholl,
daughter in law Diane Adam and her sister Betty Lou Bearce. She was
predeceased by her loving husband of 38 years, Louis (1993) and her
son, Michael (2020). Donna was Grammy to Jennifer Bruno,
Christopher Bruno, Daniel Adam, and Bethany Adam. More recently she
earned the title of great grandmother to Harper, Luna and Nathan.

Donna grew up in Conway NH and graduated from Kennett High School
in 1953 where she was active in cheerleading and basketball. She
graduated high school and attended nursing school in Melrose Mass.
She met Louis and they married in 1955. She deferred finishing her
nursing education in order to start a family. Even though she never
practiced as a nurse, her caretaking nature was always present and was
passed on to her children.

Like all women, Donna wore many hats however the one that defined
her was “mom”. To her – family was everything. Her concept of family
extended beyond her lineage and enriched so many lives. For many
years, Mom was self-employed as a housekeeper and caregiver for the
elderly. She was a fierce advocate for her clients, many of who became
“adoptive” grandparents to our family. In 1972 Mom and dad bought
Mike and Joe’s Pizza, a local restaurant. This provided an opportunity
for them to support local youths in need. Over the years, they opened
our home to various family members and local youths. All benefitted
from mom’s unique blend of tough love.

Donna was happiest spending time with family. She cherished time at
our summer home in Freedom, NH reading, sunbathing, swimming or
gardening. She enjoyed traveling with dad, visiting her sisters in
Florida during the winter months. Mom was an avid baker and cake
decorator. She would make unique birthday and wedding cakes for
friends and family. She was known for her Christmas trays of cookies,
fudge and breakfast breads. Her apple pies remain unrivaled even
though the recipe has been passed down.

In her later years, she could be found spending weekends with Melody’s
family, camping with Michael’s or sailing in Gloucester with Melinda.
Mom was an avid cribbage player and she passed her love of the game
to two generations of our family. No day was complete without her
rum and coke during 5 o’clock happy hour as she reigned supreme at
cribbage. While we mourn her passing, we are comforted that she is now at peace.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Merrimack Valley Hospice.
Their care and compassion over the past year was a great comfort to
mom and our family.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Donna and Louis
Scholarship Fund, The Scholarship Foundation of Wakefield, PO Box
321, Wakefield, MA 01880. Email: tsfofwakefield@earthlink.net
A private burial will be held later this spring for family and close
friends. Online condolences may be expressed
at  bostoncremation.org/obituaries .