Donna Lee Gada

Niantic — Donna Lee (Lewis) Gada passed away Friday, April 14, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Donna was the beloved wife of Richard B. “Dick” Gada Sr., for close to 48 years. She was predeceased by her parents, Robert Lewis and Irene (Roulier) Lewis of Pittsfield, Mass. She leaves behind two daughters, a son and their spouses: Karen and Alan Marryat of Marshfield, Mass., Carol and Richard Cave of East Lyme, and Richard and Courtney Gada of Niantic. She will be dearly missed by her large and extended family: her sister Joanne Gennette and brother-in-law Thomas of Ipswich, Mass.; grandchildren, Daniel, Jessica, Ryan, Conor, Mallory, Brendan, Isabelle and Samuel; and great-grandchildren, Owen, Liam and Nora. She was a devoted mother and ‘Meema’ to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who took great pride in their accomplishments, big and small. She always encouraged them to reach their highest potential and to follow their dreams.

Professionally Donna worked alongside Dick at Guy’s Oil for over 30 years. In her retirement, she founded Bayberries Fine Gifts in the heart of Niantic in May of 2000. Donna was a proud Rotarian for close to 20 years, having served as president of Niantic Rotary Club from 2009-2010 and an assistant governor of rotary district 7960. She greatly valued the friendships cultivated with Rotarians near and far, and enjoyed attending Rotary Club meetings abroad, including St. Maarten. Donna was instrumental in the selection and installation of the commemorative clock on Main Street and served on a number of boards and committees. She truly embodied the Rotary Club motto “Service Above Self,” and was awarded the Paul Harris fellow award several times for her service to the East Lyme community. Donna also enjoyed serving as a board member of the East Lyme Public Trust Foundation.

During the summer Donna could be found soaking up the sun around her pool, enjoying her beautiful flower, vegetable and herb gardens. She delighted in watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren splash in the pool for hours on end and was known affectionately to her family as “The Queen Bee.” She loved searching for new recipes to try and never missed her favorite ‘cooking shows’ for culinary inspiration. Donna enjoyed traveling the world beside her beloved husband, family and friends. She especially looked forward to yearly trips to Saint Maarten and the friendships developed there. Donna spent many years involved in the St. Agnes choir and bell choir where she found spiritual community and friendship. Donna was a creative spirit, known in her younger years to sew matching outfits for her daughters and their dolls, and enjoyed painting, knitting, crocheting, and stamping. Those who knew Donna best will miss her quick wit, generosity, and fierce love for those she held close.

Her family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to her beloved caregivers Magna, Veronica, Jessica and Faith, who are now dear friends. The joy they brought to her life will never be forgotten.

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 20, 2023, at St. Agnes Church. Interment will be private. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Lake Avenue in Niantic. Please visit FultonTherouxNiantic.com for photos, tributes, remembrances, and additional service information. Donations may be made in Donna’s memory to the Niantic Rotary Charitable Foundation, PO Box 339 Niantic, CT, 06357 and St. Jude Children’s Hospital at St. Jude.org.