Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Donna Wilson Obituary
In almost every circle of friends there is someone like Donna Wilson. Ms. Wilson was the person who kept track of co- workers and classmates, passing bits of news and gossip between them. "She was the one who kept us all in touch with each other," said Francine Awad, Ms. Wilson's friend since the two women were freshmen at St. Vincent Ferrer High School in Manhattan. "She was the focal point between people."
Co-workers said Ms. Wilson, 48, an assistant vice president at Aon, always tried to make people feel valued and was very diligent. When she fretted over a small discrepancy on a balance sheet, a colleague mailed her a five-dollar bill to make up the difference.
Ms. Wilson rose early to get to work, then sped home to Williston Park, in Nassau County, to take care of her 75-year-old mother, Patricia. "Donna was a good worker, she did her job and took care of our mother," said Linda Wilson, her sister. "She made a living, took care of her family and tried to lead a good life."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Marcie Johnson
September 11, 2023
Today in my classroom, my students are coloring a 9/11 memorial bulletin board. On the back of each tile we are writing the names of those who perished. I chose Donna as one of my names. It is said that by saying someone's name it keeps their memory alive. Donna Wilson, today your name was alive again in a middle school yoga class in New Mexico.
Diane T. Padilla
September 11, 2023
Donna, 22 years ago, you were taken from us on that terrible day. You are missed. Thank you for your friendship. Diane T. Padilla, SVF, 1971
Celeste Reynolds
September 12, 2021
Donna, it has been 20 years now and we continue to miss you and keep you in our prayers.
Marie Forgach
September 11, 2021
I think of Donna often but especially today. Hard to believe that she has been gone 20 years.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Carol Marburger
September 11, 2021
As I watch the 9/11 Memorial Ceremonies, I can't believe it's been 20 years since that horrific day. Donna I remember all the great trips we took & what a wonderful, caring friend you were. I miss you terribly but you are always in my heart.
Tami W
September 9, 2021
I can't believe it has been 20 years. It feels like it's been forever but I still remember the details like they were yesterday. Thinking of you and your family on this tough anniversary.
Jim Beck
September 7, 2021
I lived about 10 blocks from Donna , but late afternoons , after taking the same subway , often saw and rode the rest of the trip together on a bus . She was a sweet lady , easy to speak to , and laughs were common . Hard to believe it has been 20 years since 9-11 , and after a few days noticed her car had never been moved from a municipal lot in Williston Park . She must looking down and smiling , getting to read comments from so many friends who still remember her .
Diane Padilla
September 6, 2021
I have never forgotten your kindness and the gift of your friendship, Donna. The world is a sadder place without you. SVF, 1971.
Deb Evans
September 5, 2021
Dear Donna,
Everyone who crossed your path was blessed to know you. Our thoughts and memories of you will remain in our hearts through the years.
Love is timeless and your bond to your sister Linda is as strong as it was 20 years ago. Your light shines forever. Deb Evans
Linda Wilson
September 4, 2021
Donna, as this 20th anniversary of your passing approaches I still find strength in the paper still hanging on the frig with your handwriting and a phrase I would learn you copied from a greeting card but in the absence of a phone call that morning the words came to mean so much: Take each day as it comes and live it in peace. The good thoughts of all who love you will keep you warm. Rest easy for everything will take care of itself and each new tomorrow will find you feeling better. I am blessed to have been your sister! Love you! Linda
Kathy M
September 11, 2020
Remembering Donna on this 19th anniversary. Will always be in our thoughts.
Tami
September 11, 2020
Remembering.....God Bless
Deb Evans
September 11, 2020
Dear Donna, Nineteen years have past since your smiling face and kind spirit were taken to eternity. Memories of you fill the minds and hearts of those who shared time with you on this earth. Acquaintances, coworkers, friends, and family, join with your sister, Linda, in sending our love to you. We find solace in knowing you are resting in the peace that surpasses all understanding.
Celeste Reynolds
September 12, 2019
Hi Donna its 18 years later and we at Aon will never forget you. I want you to know that I am here with you in spirit.
Aon FInance
September 11, 2019
Donna and Family, sending our thoughts and prayers as we remember you on this sad day.
Mary Ann H. Kusterer
October 16, 2018
Donna, My husband & I visited the World Trade Center today. I thought of you & said a prayer. I remember you & your shy smile at SVF. Veritas!
Celeste Reynolds
September 14, 2018
Hi Donna,
It has been 17 years now since you left us and we are still honoring you and all who we lost.
We will always remember you..
Celeste
John Babyak
September 12, 2018
Thank you for your many offers of a ride to our morning bus stop. You have been in my prayers and please recommend me and my family to the Lord.
Kathy M
September 13, 2016
Time passes, but we will never forget Donna. Best wishes to the Wilson family.
Celeste Reynolds
September 13, 2016
Donna we are always thinking about you.
Diane Padilla
September 12, 2016
Donna, I will never forget your kindness to me. You are missed.
Tami W
September 9, 2016
Donna, thinking about you on this 15h anniversary. I still remember the time we worked together in the summer of 2001 so vividly. You are missed.
September 12, 2015
Remembering....
September 11, 2015
Donna, I still remember the warmth and encouragement you gave me.
SVF 1971 to SVF 1970, thank you.
August 30, 2015
I still miss you Aunt Donna. My girls ask who is that lady in the pictures on the bookshelf and I tell them stories of you and how you used to visit us all the time. They are still young. One day they will understand what a wonderful person you were. You would have loved all of the kids. I love you always. Keep watching over us. I can feel you close by.
Marie Forgach
September 12, 2014
Miss you Donna!
Kathy M
September 11, 2014
Thoughts and prayers are sent this day. We will always remember Donna as part of our Aon family.
September 11, 2014
Donna Wilson, SVF, 1970, In my thoughts this day. Rest In Peace, Diane T. Padilla, SVF, 1971
September 13, 2013
Donna we continue to miss you. Things are different here at work. New people new rules. I will alway keep you in my prayers.
Tami Walker
September 12, 2013
Thinking of you
Diane Padilla
September 11, 2013
Donna, I will always remember your kindness and friendship to me.
Diane, SVF, Class of 1971
April 29, 2013
Y0U ARE IN THE HEARTS 0F THIS NEW 0RLEANS FAMILY F0REVER. MAY THE L0RD BLESS Y0U AND Y0UR FAMILY AS THE YEARS MARCH BY.
Kathy Miller
September 11, 2012
Warm wishes extend to the family and friends of Donna. We think about her often, as we remember those who we worked so closely with.
Tami Walker
September 11, 2012
Donna, time goes by but I will never forget you. The anniversary today makes me remember the emotions I felt at hearing you had perished. While I had known you only a short time, you touched my life. God bless you.
Celeste Reynolds
September 11, 2012
Donna I can't believe its been 11 years. I guess you know that your mom died. We haven't heard anything from your sister in a while. I hope she is doing well.
May you continue to rest in peace.
Barbara Tripodo
September 12, 2011
God Bless Donna and rest in peace.I pray for all the victims and their families.I have been friends with her sister Linda for many years and I'm glad that I can comfort her .God Bless everyone.
Diane Padilla
September 11, 2011
I remember Donna from our years together at St. Vincent Ferrer High School. She was warm, thoughtful and very kind to me. Donna got me an after school/summer job at Metropolitan Life; that's the kind of person she was, looking out for others. Now she is in heaven, still looking out for us.
Margaret King
September 10, 2011
My memories of my cousin, Donna, is tied to family gatherings with many relatives who have also passed on. She was warm and thoughtful with a sweet sensitivity to her. She is greatly missed and lives on in our hearts and memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with Linda during this time. Margaret & family
Judy Linzer
September 9, 2011
I too did not have the pleasure of knowing Donna. I worked with her sister Linda for several years at VNA of LI.My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Celeste Reynolds
September 9, 2011
I miss my dear friend Donna. We worked together at Alexander & Alexander/Aon in the Finance department. I always remember our late nights at work and calling car service to take us home. We know as the team of the hard workers. I miss her so much.
Love Celeste
P W
September 8, 2011
I started with Aon’s accounting dept in 2000 as a temp, Donna was there to train & guide me through my first couple of weeks there. She was delighted, easy going, and full of patience and she was one of these hard working employees I’ve ever known or worked with. She taught me tricks on Excel that I’d have never known if it weren’t for her. September 11, 2001, I was there on the 92nd floor getting ready to start the day off with a cup of coffee; it was our first week of orientation as I remembered. Everything changed after that moment …. May God bless us all.
Pat Donato
September 5, 2011
I met Donna at Woods secretarial school - she was very kind to me & befriended me a shy scared 17 year old. We kept in touch each year through Christmas cards - I always wanted to let her family know how kind she was to me -- I guess they knew. On this the 10th anniversary I want them to know I often think of how good a person Donna was - she always cared about people.
Steve DaParma
March 27, 2011
I had met Donna where I am currently employed in Melville NY as an Optician.
Since I lived in New Hyde Park we always
would spend time talking about our close neighborhoods.She lent me a book to read and when I finally was able to stop by the house to return it. It was quite ashick I was informed that She had passed on. Her sisiter asked me if I weould like to keep the book but I refused . I have my own memories of a wonderful person that GOD gave me the pleasure to have met
Jim Beck
March 20, 2011
Until 9-11 , Donna was a regular on the N-22 bus that went from Williston Park to Jamaica , enroute to our Manhattan jobs . She was a sweet lady who always had a smile on her face , and enjoyed being part of our commuter conversations . It was about a week after the WTC attack , that we found out the abandonded car in the lot across from Munders Hardware , belonged to her . Our prayers go out to Donna and her family .
Marie Forgach
March 20, 2011
I think of Donna often. She was a good friend. I still remember fondly the backyard barbeques at her parents house. I would also like to offer my condolences to her sister Linda on the death of her mother - I just saw that she passed away in today's paper.
Barbara Tripodo
March 20, 2011
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Donna but I have been friends with her sister Linda for many years and have felt her pain. She is a loving and thoughtful friend and I am sorry that I never got to meet her sister,but she is always in my prayers as well as Linda. May she and her Mom rest in peace.
Pat Kacinski
March 20, 2011
Our family has the pleasure of knowing Donna's sister, Linda. Linda is such a wonderful person, and it broke all of our hearts when she lost her one and only sister. I'm so glad that Newsday is profiling people like Donna, and letting the world know what a great person she was.
Jessie Presswood
July 25, 2007
I Just wanted to offer my condolensces the family, and to all who knew and loved Donna. I worked for Donna back when she was in Melville at Alexander & Alexander before they merged. Donna was a great supervisor and someone I try to fashion myself after now that I am a supervisor. Every March 29th I always say a prayer for Donna on her birthday. I never forgot after all these years our birthday was a day apart. May you continue to find comfort in all the precious memories that you shared with Donna and believe that she is watching over us all.
P Tabbernor
April 20, 2007
In remembrance....
Marilyn Wojtko Bruno
September 11, 2003
OUR DEAR DONNA and I were schoolmates from 1966 to 1970 at St. Vincent Ferrer High School in Manhattan. Since both our surnames began with "W" for much of those 4 years we were seated near each other, and spoke every day. I remember DONNA as having a very gentle personality, and a soft smile.
Today, 9-11-03, I had DONNA's name announced at the Memorial Mass at St. Pancras Church in Glendale, Queens, New York. Hundreds of Policemen, Firemen, and Parishioners were praying for DONNA and the other 13 people named. Pastor Rev. Vincent J. Gallo, who said the Mass with great caring and emotion, had been at Ground Zero for 14 hours blessing...
Maybe he and DONNA encountered each other.
It is sadder today than when it happened 2 years ago because the terrible repercussions are being strongly felt on many interior and exterior levels worldwide.
REMEMBER - - to pray for World Peace.
I see that our classmate Maria Zammit also left a message on these pages. If anyone would like to contact me, you may reach me at [email protected].
Rosaleen Shea
July 4, 2003
I have gotten to know Linda, Donn'a sister and what a special person Linda is. I never had the privilege of knowing Donna, however, Linda is an inspiration to me in my sibling group. I lost my sister at Aon too that day - Linda and I are not sure if Yolanda and Donna knew each other but we have a funny feeling that they did. So we carry on for them. Thank you Linda. My condolences to you and your Mom and you family and friends. God Bless You!
Patricia Egan
September 18, 2002
As a member of the Connolly family I would like to express our sincere grief of Donna's passing. Our prayers are with Mrs. Wilson & Linda,
Christina Wilson
September 11, 2002
My heartfelt sympathy to the loving family of Donna
Ginger Bagnuolo
September 9, 2002
Not a day goes by that I don't ask myself what did you do that morning'I was told you made it to the lobby.I miss talking to you, it will never be the same for me' I hope you found peace and are very happy' You were a great friend and a wonderful daughter' God bless you'
Your Friend Ginger'
irma rodriguez
September 9, 2002
Donna a friend for way too many years to ever forget , I will always keep you in my mind and heart, also your family May God Bless !
Robert, Nancy, Dustin and Laura Sutton
September 8, 2002
In memory of Donna Wilson
We did not know Donna, but my husband is the brother of Cam Sutton who works for Aon. I came across this on the internet and wanted to express our deepest sympathy. I have thought of all the lives lost that day and especially of the ones from my brother-in-laws office and it still hurts deeply. Our deepest deepest sympathy to the family.
Nancy Sutton
Kathleen
August 30, 2002
God bless you and your family Donna.
Maria Zammit
August 15, 2002
It's been many years since our time at St. Vincent Ferrer's together, but you always stood out as a fine and loving person. I was so saddened to learn of your death last 9/11. But your memory and kindness and goodness live on.
Celeste Reynolds
June 3, 2002
Donna,
Words can not explain how I feel about you not being with us anymore.
It's hard to let go of a person after knowing them for 19 years.
May you rest in peace.
Love Celeste
Florence Han
June 3, 2002
...I remember many mornings where Donna would talk of her mother and sister and how much she loved them. I know it's hard to see a loved on pass away but she will always be in our hearts and prays.
Wagih Awad
May 20, 2002
Donna,
I am grateful that I have known you and became your friend. You were my wife's best friend, you were in our bridal party and later you became the God Mother of our son Michael. You have the smile of an angel and the manners of a truly good friend. To remember you is enough to bring tears into our eyes as we miss so much. Our confort is we know you are enjoying the company of our lord Jesus and you became his Angel, please take care of your mother as you always did and of your sister but also keep an eye on us your friends for ever.
We miss very very much.
Wagih, Francine, Yvette and Michael The Awads family.
Jeanne OSullivan
March 26, 2002
God Bless you Donna - you're now one of God's angels - watch over
us here from above - especially your Mom and sister - they miss you so.
Jeanne & John O'Sullivan
Carol Marburger
January 31, 2002
Donna, I miss you so much. I still can't believe that you are not with us anymore. Our friendship, which covered 22 years, is something I will also treasure. Meeting you and Linda, on that wonderful Tauck Tour, is one of the best things that ever happened to me.
We hadn't seen each other in a while but God saw to it that we were together just a few short weeks before the 9/11 tragedy. I know this was His plan and I am so thankful for that time.
I know you are in a better place now and I consider you my guardian angel, watching over me and smiling your wonderful sweet smile. I love you and may God bless until we meet again.
To Mrs. Wilson and Linda, my thoughts and prayers are always with you.
Your loving friend,
Carol
Doris Leslie
January 28, 2002
Dear DW: So, so, very sad to see you among the missing. Still can't believe you did not make it out the building. Heard so many different stories...even though I went to your memorial. It was a very beautiful memorial. God bless your family and friends, especially your dear mother and sister. Rest assured you did not die in vain. Your memory will always be alive.
RIP DW, wherever you are.
Jeannie Metzler
January 26, 2002
Donna, I miss you. I miss you so much. I miss our talks, I miss your little sweet laughs, I miss your smile, I miss hearing 'when are we going to Atlantic City,' I miss hearing 'do you want to go to Lancaster,' or 'let's meet for breakfast,' I miss hearing about your concerns for your work and your friends that I had never met but got to know through our conversations. You spoke of so many wonderful people in your life - Francine, Debbie, Connie, Pearl, Mary and so many more and I am forgetting the names because we haven't had our breakfast in so long.
I am so thankful to God that we had our Breakfast twice in the prior two weeks of 9-11 - that was unusual and I believe God gave us that time together.
You are in a much Greater Place now - the place we all strive for and you can be our angel. We can still talk to you and listen to you. You NOW have all the wisdom in the world to help us. You are whole and happy.
Please be with us and help us through our daily lives without you!
Donna, I love and miss you!
Your eternal friend, Jeannie
Linda Wilson
January 24, 2002
Do you know?
Oh, I hope you do.
Now in eternal life
Nothing can harm you.
All is well in God’s loving gaze.
All fears fade away.
Now love is all you know
Near souls who came with you not so long ago.
Wish I knew all that you do now
Insights denied to me until I climb to the heavens somehow.
Let me know in some small way how
Silently, softly I can find peace as I pray.
Oh, my dear little sister, how do I go on
Now that your voice and touch took flight as the towers fell down!
Donna’s mother and sister thank all her Aon friends and former coworkers for your prayers, your tears, your memories shared.
God bless you!
Mary Cotter
January 15, 2002
I worked with Donna several years ago at Alexander & Alexander. She always had a smile for everyone. My deepest sympathy for Donna's family and friends.
Eternal rest grant on to Donna, Lord and may the perpetual light shine upon her, may her soul and all the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
Michele Orisino
January 14, 2002
Very sorry for your great loss. Donna was and always will be an angel. You are greatly missed.
January 6, 2002
The world of those whose knew Donna was given a glimpse of the love and kindness that waits for us if only we open our hearts to each other as Donna did. We were blessed to have shared our time and life with her.
Debbie
Susan keenan
January 4, 2002
My very sincere condolences to the family of Donna Wison. I worked with her many years ago at R.B. Jones and was impressed with her kindness, professionalism, and good nature and cool head when problems arose. I sympathize with you in your very great loss.
Mark Newdick
December 22, 2001
I was thinking of you recently, Donna. My dear, what a very, very fine person you were.
December 10, 2001
MAY GOD BLESS DONNA WILSON AND MAY
SHE REST IN PEACE..GOD BLESS HER
FAMILY AND FRIENDS.GOD BLESS AMERICA
AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01
Teresa Jahn
December 2, 2001
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Showing 1 - 73 of 73 results
Make a Donation
in Donna Wilson's name
How to support Donna's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Donna Wilson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored