Diane Grimaldi DONAHUE

DONAHUE, Diane Grimaldi


Diane Grimaldi Donahue, 61, of Cobalt, entered into eternal rest on June 6, 2013 after a courageous battle with ALS. Cherished wife of 41 years of Daniel F. Donahue and devoted and proud mother of Allison Diane Donahue of Bologna, Italy, Diane was a very special person who provided inspiration to many by her incredible strength, resolution, and devotion to her faith. Diane was a graduate of Middletown High School, Class of 1969 and the Vinal Regional Technical School/Middlesex Hospital LPN Program. She worked for many years in the office of Thomas P. Lambe, MD as well as Dr. Dominick Cerritelli's office, both in Middletown. Diane was a communicant of St. Francis Church and had been a Eucharistic Minister and Pre-Marriage Counselor for a number of years. Diane also served as a member of the St. John's School Board while Allison was a student there. Diane was very talented and enjoyed doll making, sewing, creating stuffed animals and various other crafts for her family and friends. In the last two years, Diane became the family resource for training on the use and enjoyment of "The Kindle." For many years family holiday events were held in her home and everyone anticipated and enjoyed her cooking and baking, especially her famous "Easter Bunny Cake" and her cheesecakes. Diane loved to travel and enjoyed several trips to Ireland, Italy, Germany, Spain and the Bahamas with Dan and Allison. Besides Daniel and Allison, Diane leaves her parents, Vincent and Angelina (Fazzino) Grimaldi of Cobalt, her sisters, Joanne Brown and her husband Joseph of Rocky Hill, Jane Behm and her husband Jerry of Middletown, and Susan Behm her husband Gary of Middletown, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Diane had a special place in her heart for animals and she also leaves her two best dogs, Rocco and Zoe. Dan and Allison want to acknowledge Diane's love and gratitude to her best friends Catherine Daley (sister-in-law) and Jane Behm (sister) for their many acts of love and kindness throughout the years. Also very special thanks to Dr. Kevin Felice and his staff on the Neuromuscular Team at the Hospital for Special Care in New Britain.
Her Funeral Liturgy will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 10 Elm St., Middletown. Burial will be at the convenience of her family. Calling hours will be on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 from 5-7 p.m. at Biega Funeral Home, 3 Silver St., Middletown. To honor Diane's memory, donation in her name may be made to: The Hospital for Special Care, Neuromuscular Team ALSA, 2150 Corbin Ave., New Britain, CT 06053 or Mercy High School, 1740 Randolph Rd., Middletown, CT 06457. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com.