DONNA O'GARA

1957 - 2022

O'GARA, Donna (Lyons) Age 64, died on Monday, April 11, 2022 surrounded by her loving family at her home. She was born on May 27, 1957 in Boston, MA to Charles and Agnes (Carty) Lyons and with Robert E. O'Gara embarked on their life together in Boston, marrying on May 11, 1980. Donna, always compassionate and kind, was well-loved by her coworkers and students over her 26-year career in food service at Dartmouth College. She knew that students, many far from home for the first time, needed a personal connection and someone to help them feel loved and part of the community. Her outreach, thoughtful gestures, and random acts of kindness helped so many students adjust to a new place. Donna was also creative, artistic, and loved all animals, especially her cat Maisee. She decorated their home and bestowed gifts to loved ones with the crafts of her repertoire: wreaths, baskets, paintings, and fiber arts. At home with her family, she was joyful and fun-loving. Summers in Cape Cod were a cherished tradition, the annual wearing of the silly, ugly hats brought a special element of fun to Christmas Eve in Boston, and lifelong memories were formed traveling to Hawaii and Ireland with Robert. More recently during her illness, she treasured visits and phone calls of love and support with her family members. She is survived by her husband Robert E. O'Gara of West Lebanon; daughter Megan O'Gara and wife Brenda Shively of Pembroke, NH; five siblings William Lyons and wife Suzanne of Jamaica Plains, MA, Richard Lyons and wife Leah of Memphis, TN, Paul Lyons and wife Bernadette of Walpole, MA, Jean Bevilacqua and husband Ronald of Dedham, MA, and James Lyons and wife Jill of Franklin, MA; nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Lebanon on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 11AM. Donna was a devout follower and believer in Jesus Christ and loved her community of Faith at Christ Redeemer Church in Lebanon, NH in memory of her, donations in lieu of flowers are deeply appreciated to the Church. Knight Funeral Home of White River Junction, VT is honored to be entrusted with Donna's arrangements and online condolences to her family are appreciated at www.knightfuneralhomes.com Knight Funeral Home - White River Junction ,VT - (802) 295-2100

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