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Donna Jean Rossi
1957 - 2016
Donna Jean Rossi
1957 - 2016
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1957
DIED
2016
Donna Rossi Obituary
Donna Jean Rossi, affectionately called Donti Toes, went home to both her loving fathers on March 19th, 2016, surrounded by family and friends, holding the hands of her children.
Born on February 18th, 1957 in Akron, Ohio, she lived most of her life in Suffield, Ohio after graduating as valedictorian of Field High's class of '75.
Donna's love for God and family ran deep and strong. She cherished the community at Church of the Holy Spirit and her volunteer sisters at T.R.Y. Among her favorite things, she enjoyed spending time with her loved ones, sitting on her front porch under country skies, taking walks at Quail Hollow, rising early in the morning to pray, read and write, antiquing, quilting, sewing, dancing, visiting family in West Virginia especially during "Coalton Days," tickling the back of her granddaughter Isabella, listening to her daughter Katy's music, and eating Carlo's stromboli, homemade popcorn and Giant Eagle cake. She possessed an elegance and grace beyond her experience, along with a sneaky sense of humor and a sparkling smile. We all loved her homemade lasagna, apple crisp, German chocolate cake, no-bake cookies, grilled cheese and tomato soup. She made a home a home. She is loved more than she could ever imagine.
Donna was preceded in death by her father, Anthony Rossi; mother, Virginia Rossi Vair; and many adoring aunts and uncles. She is survived by her loving children, Katy, Luke (Brianna) and Joanna Tucker; granddaughter, Isabella Tucker; devoted brother, David (Jenny) Rossi; sister, Rose Miller; nephews, Josh Miller and Anthony Rossi; nieces Alexandra Rossi and Jodi Miller.
A celebration of her life and spirit will take place on Wednesday, March 23rd, 2016 at 5 p.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 50 N. Prospect St., Akron, Ohio. She will be laid to rest next to her father in Coalton, West Virginia. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Brain and Behavior Research Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 31, 2016
March 31, 2016
Donna,
My heart aches so much right now. I miss you so much. I know that you were so many things that I am not. Your generous and loving spirit will always be lit in all who knew you. I will always remember the times we spent as kids playing outside in the snow, riding our bikes, and getting our school clothes ready for the new school year. Your daughters Katy and Joanna and son Luke are a testament to who you were as their Mother.
Rest in peace, Donna. I will always love you.
Your sister Rose
March 24, 2016
Beloved sister as we walked through life together you trusted me to lead the way.When our travels became difficult,your faith provided me the strength to guide us. I am sure you know now it was you who lead the way,and without you I am lost. I cannot express what you have meant to me Donna as a child,as a man,as a parent. Your soft-hearted kindness has touched us all and and lives on through your children and mine. Although our journey is over I find peace in knowing youv'e reached your final destination and what a place it must be! YOUR BROTHER David & Family Jenny, Alexandra,and Anthony p.s. Tell mom and dad I love them and miss them!
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Mike, Nancy & Trevor Millhouse
March 23, 2016
Dave, Jenny and Family,
So very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Paul Schoenberg
March 23, 2016
In this world there are all types of people, some not so good and all the way up to occasional greatness. Donna was one of the great ones, not in terms of status, achievement, hypocritical piousness or power, but in terms of genuine character. After knowing her in junior high and high school and witnessing her kindness, strength and curiousity in action, we lost touch for a long time but recently re-connected in the past few years. She went through a lot in those years, both physically and emotionally but always with determination, sly humor and hope. Her twin pillars were her faith and her family and she both leaned on them and gave back at the same time. I feel very privileged to have known her in her too short life and the light she brought to the world. Though I never met her children, I want them to know your mother was as near to a saint that I have ever met (not perfect of course, but pretty darn close). Be peaceful now Donna. I will always remember your spirit, beauty and ultimately your giving heart.
Sandi Tompkins
March 22, 2016
Deepest sympathies to Katy, Luke, Joanna , and families . Your mom, Donna was one of the nicest ladies I had the pleasure of knowing , although we lost touch over the years I will remember her always , Love and prayers ..Sandi Tompkins
Marie
March 22, 2016
I will forever miss my loving and sweet cousin's smile, talks, hugs and laughter. Donna was so kind and caring how could you not love
her. She is absent from the body present with the Lord and I know Donna is joyfully at peace in heaven!
Missing you,
Your loving cousin
Marie
John Annibal
March 22, 2016
Such a good picture of Donna. That's the same smile I remember when I was a kid.
I am so sorry about the news of Donna's passing.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family and friends. As long as I can remember, Donna has always been very close to the Lord. Try to take comfort in knowing that she is now resting in His arms. God Bless you all.
John Annibal
March 22, 2016
Such a good picture of Donna. That's the same smile I remember when I was a kid.
I am so sorry about the news of Donna's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family and friends. As long as I can remember, Donna has always been very close to the Lord. Try to take comfort in knowing that she is now resting in His arms. God Bless you all.
AMW
March 22, 2016
To the family you all have my deepest sympathy. During this difficult time pour out your hearts to God, because he cares for you and will help you heal. May your memories bring a smile to your faces and comfort to your hearts. Please find comfort in Jesus' words at Matthew 5:4,5.
Diana Shanafelt
March 22, 2016
Family of Donna Jean Rossi who became a school teacher at field middle school for many years with my sister Debbie Schutt knows her many years. We all are so sorry
of losing a mother and that is so hard to
lose. We all sending our prayers to all of
you, Debbie schutt and Diana and Dave Shanafelt
diana shanafelt
March 22, 2016
To the family of Donna Jean Rossi, We all are so sorry that losing a mother. Diana
Shanafelt went to school that was located
at field jr. high school are in 1989. I was in a special needs class. My dad dave
and diana and also my loving sister debbie
schutt knows your mother for many wonderful
years.
Our deeepest sympathy to all,
Diana and Debbie and Dave Shanafelt
Diana Shanafelt
March 22, 2016
To loving family of Donna Jean Rossi who became such a loving mother to her children. My name is Diana Shanafelt went
to school at Field jr. high school in 1989 with a special needs class. I do have a father Dave Shanafelt who was a banker at first national bank of akron, ohio for many
years. We are so sorry that your mom passed
away and we do sending our deepest sympathy, Diana and Debbie and Dave Shanafelt
Diana Shanafelt
March 22, 2016
To the family of Donna Jean Rossi, I am so sorry that losing a mother. We both send our sympathy to all of you. It is so hard to lose someone that you love and caring kids to take care of her for many years.
My name is Diana Shanafelt, I did went to field jr. high school way back into 1989.
I did achieved my masters degree with colorado technical university online.
Our deepest sympathy,
Diana and Dave Shanafelt
Renee Filaseta
March 22, 2016
I can't believe that you're gone my sweet cousin. I will forever hold in my heart the memories of our spending time together as children and our long heartfelt talks as women. You were the most gentle soul I have ever known...God definitely gave us one of his angels when He gave us you. I'll miss you my cousin, my friend.
Joan Reneau
March 22, 2016
Donna was a very bright light and sweet high school friend. It is so wonderful to know she is walking with Jesus.
Joan Cromley Reneau
Class of '75
Sue
March 22, 2016
I share in the grief all of the family have at this time. Know that your beloved is with her "HEAVENLY FATHER" and those who have gone before, to be in the place of peace and God's eternal love everlasting.
Lorrie Kasburg-Falasca
March 22, 2016
So very sad to hear that our class of 75 has lost another classmate. I can remember Donna always having had a big smile on her pretty face and kind words for everyone she talked to. I am certain she will be missed. My deepest condolences to all of her family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
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