Donna Rancourt

Donna Rancourt, 74, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 3, 2022 after living with Alzheimer's disease. Born and raised in Springfield, Mass., Donna was the daughter of Agnes and Edward Hellyer. She graduated from Classical High School with highest academic distinction. Donna received her bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and enjoyed a successful career as an actuarial analyst in Hartford, CT. Donna married Henry Rancourt in 1976. They shared a wonderful life together for 46 years, and Henry will miss her forever. Donna was a devoted mother to her stepdaughter Alana, and they were the best of friends. Donna was always an engaged, playful, and loving grandmother to Alana's son Case. Donna was gifted with kindness in her heart and a sincere care for everyone. She was a dancer, a crochet artist, an avid gardener, a fashion lover, and a champion crossword puzzler! She loved to laugh with friends, and was quite clever and creative in how she used humor to ease the intensity of life. Her brilliance and energy lit up a room, and her spirit will continue to inspire her family and friends. Donna was predeceased by her parents, Agnes and Edward, younger brother, Daniel Hellyer, and beloved family members Cousin Bernice and Aunt Mary. Donna is survived by her husband Henry, daughter Alana (husband Jim), and grandson Case, and extended family members who gave her much joy throughout her life, including Katherine Rancourt, the Hellyer and Cipriani families, the Pelland family, and her "Travelers" family. A celebration of Donna's life will be held in early Spring 2023 at the Newington Memorial Funeral Home in Newington, Conn. Donations in Donna's memory can be made to the Alzheimer's Association through their website at www.alz.org. Your donation will help continue the work in providing Alzheimer's care, support, and research. To share a memory with her family, please visit us at www.duksa.net.