Donna Lee Mead

1942 - 2023

Mrs. Donna Lee Mead, age 81 of Homosassa, Florida, died Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at HPH Citrus House, Lecanto, FL. with her loving family by her side. She was born February 24, 1942 in Utica, NY, and was the daughter of Robert W. and Wava L. (Furney) Wall. Donna graduated high school from Rome Free Academy in Rome, NY. On May 23rd, 1959 she married the love of her life, Gerald E. Mead. While raising her 4 daughters with Gerry, Donna earned an Associate's Degree from Empire State College and a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology/Child Life from Utica University.

Donna worked at the New York State School for the Deaf in Rome, NY from 1969 until 1997, retiring as a Parent-Family Services Coordinator. She loved the children at the school, frequently bringing them home for the weekend. She also served as an Adjunct Faculty & On-site Student Advisor at Utica University, Utica, NY.

Once Donna and Gerry retired, they became snowbirds in Homosassa Florida, splitting their time there and at their beloved camp on Lorton Lake in NY. Eventually they became full time residents in Homosassa, FL. In Florida, Donna worked for C.H.I.P.S. in Crystal River, FL and the Center for Independent Living in Homosassa, FL. She was a member of the NY State Association of Educators for the Deaf, the Retired Public Employees Association of NY State; and volunteered for the Stonebrook Homeowners Association (FL) Board of Directors, Lorton Lake Association (NY) Board of Directors and as a Neighborhood Watch Coordinator for the Citrus County Sheriff's Office. Donna also gave her time to the children at Homosassa Elementary School, helping deaf children adapt to school.

Donna was a watercolor artist and an author of Children's books. She was an avid reader, enjoyed water aerobics and crocheting. Most of all she never missed an opportunity to share her love for her family. She was the "Rock" of the family.

Donna was preceded in death by father, Robert W. Wall, mother, Wava L. Wall and her husband, Gerald E. Mead.

Survivors include 4 daughters; Tami (Rocco) Mesagna of Verona, NY, Krista (Lou) DiBerardino of Homosassa, FL, Robin (Norman) House of Taberg, NY and Julie (Anthony) Borruso of Lutz, FL; sister, Karen Royce of Rome, NY; 8 grandchildren: Aaron (Renee), Andrew (Brittany), Louis III (Linnea), Ryan (Jessie), Gregory (Maddy), Anthony (Josh), Christian (Mindy) & Nicholas and 7 Great-grandchildren, Louis IV, Giovanni, Ayden, Clara, Adrien, Isla & Ella.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.HooperFuneralHome.com Arrangements by the Homosassa Chapel of Hooper Funeral Homes & Crematory. Donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association in Donna's name. The family invites everyone to attend a Celebration of her wonderful life on January 27th, 2024 from 1-4 pm at Sugarmill Woods Country Club, Homosassa FL.