Donna Perry


It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our sister, Donna. She passed away this past Friday, January 31st, with family by her side and is survived by her brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews.

Donna was our sister, and yes, she was special: her special needs were to be loved and to feel a sense of belonging and purpose.

We want to take the opportunity to share a bit of Donna’s journey.

Donna resided in Lexington, Massachusetts, and was a Woburn High School graduate.

Donna endured discrimination and bullying throughout her life as a person who was special needs. This was before acknowledgment of bullying, and showing respect for those with different abilities, was mainstream. It was not uncommon for stores and restaurant employees to ask her if she had money before serving her. All too often, cab drivers refused to pick her up because she looked different.

In this time of great sorrow, while it’s tempting to focus on those that were mean or cruel to Donna in her lifetime, it is with joy and honor for Donna that we focus on those that treated her with kindness and compassion, not something less than, but equal to themselves.

For the past ten years, Donna was a resident of the Avalon Apartment complex in Lexington. The management team at Avalon Apartments always treated her with respect, kind-heartedness and consideration. Her neighbor, John, would often cook for her and help her with rides and shopping as well.

A huge thank you to the management and staff of the local stores in the Lexington and Waltham area. Donna could be regularly seen chatting it up with the employees at Star Market, Dunkin Donuts and Papa Ginos, and they treated her with dignity and respect.

Wendy, the Manager at Papa Ginos in Waltham, and her fantastic delivery driver Jim, always treated Donna kindly. Jim brought the pizza into Donna’s apartment, set it up, and spent time chatting with her. Never accepting a gift for his kindness, and even calling to report on how Donna was fairing that day.

The manager at the now-closed Friendly’s restaurant in Waltham was offered money to call a cab for Donna, and he said “Don’t be silly! We love her and we’re happy to help.” We are forever grateful to the managers at the local Stop & Shop who were patient with Donna and also called her cabs. Thank you, all!

Thank you to the entire management team at the Edinburg Center, where Donna had been a long-time client. You were always patient with Donna and helped her through many challenges.

Then there are Donna’s Angels:

An enormous thank you to Vanessa B of the Edinburg Center, you went above and beyond in all that that you did for Donna. Your positive attitude and patience are a gift. While we know you are saddened by Donna’s passing, please take comfort in knowing you give hope to those who have challenges and disabilities who otherwise wouldn’t have a voice.

The Nurses at the Hellenic Nursing home in Canton, where Donna spent the last several months of her journey. Mark, Joan, Marylyn, and especially Barbara. We can never repay the love, compassion kindness that you showed to Donna from the moment she arrived until she left your care.

It gives us great comfort to know that Donna has joined her parents and grandparents, whom she so missed.

A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, February 13th at 10:00 AM at Sacred Hearts Parish, 297 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Donna will then be laid to rest at Oak Grove Cemetery, 230 Playstead Road, Medford, MA 02155.

In lieu of any flowers or gifts, in memory of Donna, say hello to someone in a wheelchair, visit someone in a nursing home, or do something kind for someone.

Sis, we’ll forever miss you and love you. xoxo.

Share

Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.

14 Condolences

  1. Phyllis Lasoff on February 6, 2020 at 2:53 pm

    So sorry for your loss. How heartwarming that all these people were so kind to her as they should be. Remember all the good times. Please extend our condolences to the rest of your family. Phyllis and stuart Lasoff



  2. Phyllis Lasoff on February 6, 2020 at 2:53 pm

    So sorry for your loss. How heartwarming that all these people were so kind to her as they should be. Remember all the good times. Please extend our condolences to the rest of your family.



  3. Maria Vasallo on February 6, 2020 at 3:03 pm

    She was such a beautiful person. I only met her a handful of times but she was always so warm and loving. May she rest in peace.



  4. Keith Garner on February 6, 2020 at 3:17 pm

    My condolences to the entire Perry family. God bless.



  5. Alberto Vasallo on February 6, 2020 at 3:33 pm

    Very sorry for the loss of a great human being. The details of her journey in life were very enlightening. Thoughts and prayers to the entire family.



  6. Molly Martin Alvarado on February 6, 2020 at 5:00 pm

    So sorry for your loss. A beautiful tribute. So glad I had the pleasure of meeting and spending time with Donna. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May she Rest In Peace.



  7. Pedro and Alina Pirez on February 6, 2020 at 9:48 pm

    Sorry for your loss Joe your you family
    Anything we can do.



  8. Pedro and Alina Pirez on February 6, 2020 at 9:49 pm

    Sorry for your loss Joe your family
    Anything we can do.



  9. Shea Boitano on February 6, 2020 at 11:30 pm

    We are so sorry for your loss. Through the stories you shared, she was a beautiful person inside and out. Sending thoughts and prayers to the entire family.



  10. Jay and Lori Rotonnelli on February 6, 2020 at 11:49 pm

    Many beautiful memories that you shared here Joe. Always remember the good in people. She is at peace now.
    God bless her and your entire family. Thoughts and prayers to all of you.

    The Rotonnelli’s



  11. Jeanne Li on February 7, 2020 at 12:20 am

    So sorry for your loss Joe. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.



  12. Bob Murray on February 7, 2020 at 6:41 am

    So very sorry for your loss. May your dear Donna rest easy with your loved ones. May you find peace



  13. The Donato on February 7, 2020 at 7:04 pm

    So sorry for your great loss. Donna will be surely missed, but will be with her Dad! Let us know how we can help.
    The Donato Family!



  14. Heather (Harris) Miller on February 8, 2020 at 2:04 am

    To the Perry Family-My condolences to your family. I enjoyed time spent with Donna during my years at The Edinburg Center. She will always hold a special place in my heart. I am so sorry to hear of her passing.



Leave a Condolence