A Lutheran Swede, she was born in Grant, Michigan, November 17, 1922, the daughter of Alfred and Ella (Saur) Eckstrom. Her father owned an onion and carrot farm and her mother was a housewife and actively involved in family, church and the life of this small agricultural rural community. Donna grew up in Grant, played basketball, and was Salutatorian of her 1940 high school class. She attended Michigan State University to study home economics, and being a math whiz received a full scholarship her senior year to study to be an engineer’s aide. This was the war years and most of the young male engineers were in the service. She belonged to Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, which resulted in lifelong friendships. She graduated in 1945 and worked as an engineering aide for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Corporation, Hartford, Connecticut. There she met a young, former marine and engineer, George Maurice Rossiter. They were married September 23, 1947 in the Mamrelund Lutheran Church, Kent City, MI. George’s engineering position with Honeywell took them to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. From there they moved steadily eastward, back towards George’s roots in Pennsylvania and Vermont. In this trek, they moved to South Bend, Indiana (1951), Newtonville, Mass (1957), Wilbraham, Mass (1959), and Bedford, NH (1962). In 1966, George took a marketing position at Markem Machine Corp and they arrived in Keene.
Donna valued her role as wife and mother, and in Keene became actively engaged in her community of the next 48 years. During the 70’s through the 90’s Donna was the volunteer coordinator for the Red Cross Blood mobile for over 20 years and supervisor of the checklist in West Keene Ward 5 for a similar tenure. She was an active supporter of the Hospital Aid society and a volunteer for 20 years. She was passionate about her weekly routine to deliver flowers to patients at Cheshire Medical accompanied with an upbeat smile and cheery words of comfort. She was a grateful supporter of Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and member of the Pinnacle Society. She was active in St James Episcopal Church and later The United Church of Christ and where she loved the chance to sing. She was First Lady of Keene in 1975-76 and great support to George when he was Mayor, as well as through his many years of effort and leadership on behalf of Keene planning and development projects and in his VP responsibilities at Markem Machine Corp. George was the love of her life, and Donna was a great life partner. They were married just 51 years when he died in 1998.
On spring, summer and fall weekends from the 60’s through the 90s’ Donna packed up the food and supplies necessary for the weekend respite. She and George drove to the 1850’s “Six Acres” farmhouse in Calais Vermont, an old Rossiter family homestead. Here they shared time with family, ‘old place’ projects, porch and fireplace sitting, dinners in the old kitchen and their friends ‘down the road’. Donna made family times great there for 50 years.
Donna’s personality stood out and uniquely endeared her to her family and friends. She was outgoing and positive and energized others to do and keep moving. She usually sported a large smile and was easily prone to a joie de vive laugh. Her energy was fueled by being part of and engaged in others’ lives. Paralleling her personality, Donna was an all-around activity enthusiast through which she forged bonds of all kinds with many friends. Skiing was her first passion, which she and George loved together for 40 years. This was followed by golf, tennis filled in the gaps, and she was an excellent bridge player. Being frequently the more mature’ member of the event, she inspired others with her gameness and enthusiasm. Donna skied until she broke a leg skiing in 2005 at 83. In 2006 a stroke left Donna severely disabled. Her joie de vivre however persisted. And, with the support of the wonderful people who have cared for her, good friends, UCC community and family she reinvented herself and matured and thrived in her restrictive life. A pinnacle in this later life, she was a mascot for Crotched Mountain Accessibility to Recreation and Sports - CMARS – who got her back on the ski slopes in 2009 and every year since. This program of passionate volunteers gives people with disabilities access to real recreation through support, trust and camaraderie. http://www.crotchedmountain.org/Programs-and-Services/CMARS/Winter-Sports-Program/
Donna’s legacy is as a caring engaged wife, mother, friend, community citizen, who was optimistic and an inspiration to many. In her ability to continue to be ‘Donna’ in her recent years and ‘live’ life, she is a great tribute to the special individuals in the community, as well as a caring agency Chesco, Inc. who put great effort into her and others’ care. Her family is deeply grateful for the wonderful care and deep friendships of her caregivers, who’s selfless giving, particularly to those who are disadvantaged in some way, enriches others’ lives, making hearts secure and lives meaningful and enjoyed.
She is survived by her daughter, Christine A. Rossiter and her husband, Winfield S. “Buzz” Burhans of West Glover, VT, a son, Tod W. Rossiter of Swanzey, NH, a grandson, Jeremy Tod Rossiter of Claremont, NH, a daughter in law Kathaleen M. Cobb of Keene, NH, a grandson Luke T. Rossiter, of Claremont, NH. She is also survived by her brother William R. Eckstrom and his wife Jewel H. Eckstrom of Lake Odessa, MI and four Eckstrom nieces and nephews.
Funeral services and burial in the spring in the Robinson Cemetery, Calais, VT, will be private.
For those who wish, donations may be made in Mrs. Rossiter’s memory to Crotched Mountain Accessibility to Recreation and Sports, Kristen Harris, (603) 547-3311 ext. 1664. The family is most appreciative of the support of this organization and its volunteers, and its efforts in bringing joy to the folks like Donna that it serves. CMARS@crotchedmountain.org .
The Foley Funeral Home of Keene, NH is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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