Lauren
God Bless your Mom, may she rest in peace

This memory goes back to our teaching days in the Cleveland City schools. An afternoon of a special lunch brought Donna and I together.  Mary Puglesse and my Mom, Ida DeGirolamo Minello were to have lunch at a west side restaurant.  My Mom invited me to join because Donna would be coming with Mary Puglesse. 
Donna and I were thrilled to be with two wonderful women and to be reminded of our connection beyond our careers. A connection through generations of church and family.
Shortly after that lunch, Donna was scheduled to be at Captain Arthur Roth Elementary School.  When we saw each other walking from opposite ends of the hall, we sped up to laugh and smile and hug each other.  After lunch, I sadly told Donna I had lost my earring (a family heirloom from Italy.) She said, “Don’t worry, you will find it.”
It was Donna who found the treasured piece of jewelry . I think on the floor of the elevator!!  She was my hero that day.  
In life , Donna was the charismatic lady and the hero to many.  
God bless Donna and may she rest in eternal glory.
  Extending my deepest sympathy. Mary Jo Minello


Lauren, 
My heart is heavy today after hearing of your mother's death.
She was a genuine great lady, down to earth, faithful Catholic,  a leader in the community, nothing was more important than the happiness of her family. You gave her the gift of grandchildren, and she treasured every moment with them. She was your biggest supporter,she truly loved unconditionally. She was a wonderful person that would help or find help for anyone in need. She was a great keeper of secrets, a true confidant. Her smile would light up the room. I will miss her smile and laughter. She was truly an amazing person and the world lost a champion for those that have the least among us and the voice of those overlooked by society. I won't be able to attend the viewing or the mass but I know she is smiling down on us and although she will miss you & kids & Angela, we gained an angel in heaven. She's sorry she left so suddenly but her body/soul couldn't handle any more pain. She is in heaven by God's side, looking down on you all  with tears in her eyes,  heart filled with love & pride for all of you. She will truly be missed by those tgat knew her best. I felt so honored that she considered me a friend. Again there really aren't enough words to describe how I felt about her but I know she smiling when she reads this message . XOXO 

Dear Family of Donna,  
We attended Mt Carmel together from the 2nd to the 7th grade.  I remember using saddle soap to condition her baseball mitt.  We always got along in class and played in the neighborhood along with the Severini's (Betty and Barbara) and the other kids.  I moved away when I joined the Army and hadn't been back, but I stayed in contact with a few guys from back then and was just informed this morning by one.  I am so sorry to hear of Donna's passing.  
My sincerest condolences to the family.   
Ed (Buddy) O'Brien

Lauren,

Your mother, Sparkles, as we called her, was one of a kind.  I met her during a trip to Washington DC with the OLMC CYO.  We enjoyed each others sense of humor and it started a life long friendship.  

We remember dancing at her wedding and many, many holiday celebrations around the Craciun kitchen table with the telling of many "alleged" stories.

Donna will be missed.  May she rest in peace.

Johnny and Chris Zone

OBITUARY

Donna M. Gonyon

June 28, 1949 – March 11, 2023

Craciun Berry Funeral Home

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Burial at Holy Cross Cemetery