Dona Chiappe Bacco

Dona Chiappe Bacco, a resident of Concord, NH (formally of Salem and Topsfield, MA), passed away peacefully on December 18, 2024 at the age of 80. Dona was known for her deep devotion to her family, friends, faith, and commitment to the Catholic Church.
Dona was born on September 19, 1944, in Chicago, IL the daughter of the late Fred and Eva (Bertolozzi) Chiappe. Her father was a loyal and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and worked as a pipefitter in Chicago. Her mother immigrated from Italy at a young age, and was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Dona grew up in a close family where she learned the values and morals which made her a loving, kind, and empathetic person who always saw the joy in all. 

Dona was a graduate of Immaculata High School and DePaul University in Chicago. She started her career as an elementary school teacher and later became the Director of the Quinnipiac University Children’s Center in Hamden, Connecticut.  

Dona’s true love and joy was raising her two sons, Brian and Sean. She committed her life to their growth and development, and she lovingly would refer to herself and them as the three musketeers. She was a constant support to her boys and could always be found in the stands of their lacrosse games and other sporting events, no matter how freezing cold the weather. The most important lessons she taught were by example, how to be a loving and supportive parent and that there is nothing more important than family.
Dona adored her five grandchildren, Matthew, Anna, Kaden, Caroline, and Payton, who referred to her as Nannie. They became her world when they were born, bringing her immense joy and pride. She was famous for her Nuggle Nights, New Year’s Eve parties, Celtics games, attending all their school and sporting events, shopping, and playing games for endless hours with them. She loved to cook for her family, including gnocchi with her special homemade sauce, desserts, the best Thanksgiving stuffing, and many other special meals. She had an eye for design and loved helping family and friends with interior decorating. She created comfortable, cozy, and inviting spaces for family and friends to gather.

Dona held many volunteer positions, including serving as a Eucharistic Minister, altar server, CCD teacher, summer Catholic camp teacher, and decorating for countless church services and events at St. Rose of Lima in Topsfield, MA. When she moved to Concord, she became involved at Christ the King Parish as a Eucharistic Minister and volunteered at the Granite VNA Hospice. Father Michael Medas, Father Dan Hennessey, and more recently Father Rich Roberge were very special to her. Dona received the Cheverus award from Cardinal Sean O’Malley in 2014 for her outstanding service and dedication to the Church, her parish and the broader Catholic community. 

Dona is survived by her children, Brian Quirk and wife Fiona, Sean Quirk and wife Luz, her five grandchildren Matthew, Anna, Kaden, Caroline and Payton, her amazing sister and best friend Diane, her niece Lisa (Brian), nephews Marty (Carrie), Dave (Amy) and Jay (Erin), who were very special to her, and extended family and many friends. In addition to her parents, she is predeceased by her brother-in-law, Charles Skie.
The family is forever grateful to Granite VNA Hospice and the eucharistic ministers of her parishes, St. Rose of Lima and Christ the King Parish.
Family and friends are invited to a visiting hour on Monday, December 23rd,  from 9 AM to 10 AM at Christ the King Parish, 72 South Main Street, Concord.

Immediately following at 10 AM a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, at Christ the King Parish.

A private burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in Concord, NH.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Dona may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.