Donna Denniston, distinguished cellist and beloved family member, passed away peacefully at home on August 10, 2023.
Born in Brockton, Massachusetts to David E. Dart and Lorena M. Young, Her passion for music began early in her life, and after graduating from Brockton High School in 1960 attended Boston University, where she graduated in 1964 with a B.A. degree in Latin, minoring in Greek and Archaeology. During her college years, she played with the Boston University Orchestra and studied with Richard Kapuscinski of the Boston Symphony. While at Boston University, she met and married her husband, Brandt Denniston, a union of 59 years.
After moving to New Jersey, where she raised her three sons, Donna continued to study extensively with Paul Clement of the New York Philharmonic and became a vibrant part of the local music community. She served as principal cellist of the Ridgewood Symphony and performed with esteemed ensembles such as the American Chamber Orchestra in NYC, the NJ New Music Ensemble, Northern NJ Philharmonic, Bergen Philharmonic, and the Ridgewood Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company.
In 1993, Donna and Brandt moved to New Hampshire, where they made their home in Springfield, NH. Embarking on a new chapter of musical achievement, Donna's commitment to music education was evident in her role as cello Faculty and String Department Chair at the Concord Community Music School from 1994-2007. She performed with and was principal cellist of the Granite Symphony. Donna also played extensively with the Serenade Strings, a professional string quartet.
In recent years, Donna held the position of Principal cellist of the Lakes Region Symphony in Meredith, NH.
Donna is survived by her three children, David Denniston, Douglass Denniston, and James Denniston; her two grandchildren, August Denniston and Brandt Paul Denniston; and her sister, Davena D. Szmyt. Her legacy as a musician, educator, and loving family member will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Brandt and Donna were due to celebrate their 59th anniversary on August 29, 2023.
Donations may be made to the Springfield, New Hampshire Historical Society, P.O. Box 643 Four Corners Rd, Springfield, NH, 03284 or flowers may be sent to Chadwick Funeral Home, 235 Main Street, P.O. Box 68, New London, New Hampshire 03257.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at the Springfield Town Hall. Friends and family are welcome to attend and celebrate Donna's extraordinary life.
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