A proud, full blooded Sicilian-American, she was born on December 2nd, 1952 in Kansas City, Mo to Joseph and Josephine (nee Caponetto) LaSala. Shortly after her birth the family moved to Raytown, where she spent most of her life. There she had her first job with Ozark Fried Chicken where she learned cleaning chickens was not a task she would ever do again, quitting immediately at the cost of wasting a new uniform and shoes.
After graduating from Raytown South High School, getting married, having three children, and starting full time employment as a single parent and new homeowner, she went evenings to UMKC where she received a double BA degree in Administration of Justice and Sociology with an added certificate in Gerontology. She continued with her education to receive her master’s degree in Public Health Administration. She was also awarded the Edward Tomich award by UMKC for being a person who is not “cowed by authority”. This award was not misplaced as any who knew Donna will attest.
She was employed at the USPS for many of her child raising years until an injury forced her retirement in 1997. She continued to serve her community, working with the Hope House Shelter for Battered Women, the Midwest Bioethics Foundation, the Jackson County Combat Commission and Birthright of Kansas City, among others, and as a poll watcher and Jackson County Election judge. She served on a number of Boards including St. Catherine of Siena's Parish Council & The Funeral Consumer Alliance of Greater Kansas City. She was an active managing co-owner of Ardonin Properties, LLC.
Donna was a devout Catholic, who was honored to be a servant of Christ as a lay minister and an exceptional lector for over forty years. She actively participated in the congregational life of her parishes, volunteering in many ways. The one highlight of the year was the St. Joseph’s Table. She enjoyed the fellowship of the Italians that got together for the hundreds of manhours needed to do the presentation justice.
During retirement Donna enjoyed bright clothing, Italian cooking, gatherings of family and friends, raising and playing with her loving constant companion Yorkies and Chorkies and travel. She founded several bunco groups in the area.
She is survived by her loving husband Arno, her brother Carl [Earline] LaSala, her daughter Elissa Virgo, her sons Anthony [Lisa] and Nickolas [Brittany] Snorgrass, and her stepchildren Jorie Potter and Christopher Pinnow. She greatly loved and missed not being able to spend more time with all her grandchildren: Sierra Witherspoon, Sophina Bradley, Shawn and Isaac Pinnow, Cheyenne Potter, Charlie, Gracie, and Gavin Snorgrass, all who survive her. She is also survived by MANY beloved relatives and dear friends.
Open Visitation will be at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Thursday, January 21 with The Rosary led by the KU Med Center and LaSala family chaplain Father Karl Good at 7:00pm.
The open memorial service will be conducted by Father Sunoj Thomas at 11:00amon Friday, January 22 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Kansas City, MO.
The interment service for Donna and her beloved pack will be at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Kansas City, MO under the direction of Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home.
The celebration of life gathering, which will be open to all family and friends, will be held at a later date due to the COVID-19 problem and for the safety of all of Donna’s loved ones.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Catholic Charities, Hope House, the American Cancer Society, or the Christian charity of your choice.
Fond memories and expressions of love and sympathy may be shared on this website.
The entire family thanks you for your support and prayers during this difficult year. God bless you all.
