Donna M. Tobin

1956 - 2024

Donna M. Tobin, 68
1956 - 2024
Lynn - Ms. Donna M. Tobin passed away peacefully on Monday, October 7, 2024 with her loving family by her side after a brave battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Born and raised in Lynn, she was the daughter of the late Marguerite "Marge" (Kerrins) Tranfaglia and Richard J. Tranfaglia. Donna graduated from Lynn English High School Class of 1973. After having her children, Donna went back to school to learn "business skills" such as typing and shorthand and began a career in medical billing which included positions at Lynn and Union Hospitals, North Shore Respiratory Care Physicians, Willow Labs and Salem Hospital. She retired from Salem Hospital as the Appeals Coordinator in 2020. For many years she also worked a second job at Lynn and Union Hospital ER in patient registration as well as at her grandparents' sub shop, Lena's at 567 Western Ave.
Donna's one true hobby, passion, pastime was spending time with her family, most especially her grandsons whom she was devoted to. A race around the block on a bike or electric scooter, a zipline adventure, collecting and caring for hermit crabs, attending every sporting event and making Saturday morning pancakes were just a few of the things that Grammy did for her boys. As for her children, she was a force to be reckoned with; caring, protective and disciplined, she taught her children the importance of "family first" and "doing what needs to be done". In regards to family, Donna and her children and later her grandchildren were always part of her larger Kerrins Family, whom she grew up across the street from, and enjoyed many wonderful holidays and family times together. In her younger years she enjoyed riding motorcycles (as a passenger!) with family and friends and hanging out listening to live music, reading and playing solitaire. She loved animals, including her "baby girl" Stella and her cats (predeceased), Buddy, Buster and Saco.
Donna leaves behind to mourn her; her devoted children; daughter Lisa M. Tobin and her partner Eric and son Scott M. Tobin all of Lynn; her adored grandsons; Mark G. Tobin and Kyle A. Candilieri of Lynn; her niece and great nephew Leanne and Cameron Tranfaglia of Lynn as well as her great aunts and uncle and many (many!) generations of Kerrins cousins. She also leaves behind people special to her like family including Kim and Justin Candilieri, Rosie Sanchez, Nancy Halupowski, Joanne Caron as well as her goddaughters Dominque and Annmarie Debonis and Kayla Taylor. She is predeceased by her beloved brother Richard "Ricky" W. Tranfaglia; her grandparents Carmella (Marion) and David Kerrins and Philomena and Bernadino Tranfaglia as well as her best friend of 50 years, Cheryl Debonis.
Everyone who met Donna loved her and her family would like to thank the many friends she made over the years that continued to reach out and support Donna and her family during her illness. Each time a friend called it was reminder to her family of how she touched people in her simple and loving ways.
Service Information: A funeral will be held at 11am on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at the SOLIMINE FUNERAL HOME, 426 Broadway (Rt. 129) Lynn, followed by burial at Pine Grove Cemetery, Lynn. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, October 14 at the funeral home from 4-8. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Donna's favorite charities; St. Jude’s, MSPCA, LHAND Scholarship Fund or to the MA Alzheimer's Association to help fight this insidious disease. For online guestbook, please visit www.solimine.com.