Dona Elise Hasson

Dona Elise Hasson, 80, of Owego, NY passed away late Thursday January 15, 2026.

Dona Elise was born May 31, 1945. Her name was inspired by "Una Bella Dona" ("a beautiful woman" in

Italian), a phrase used by her paternal grandfather to describe her Mother Elise, a maternal family name. Her father, Frank DiRusso, served as a First Class Petty Officer in the US Navy during WWII, and saw her for the first time when she was six months old, and it was love at first sight.

Dona grew up on Long Island in Westbury, NY on one of the iconic "Levittown" developments, which were the first American-style suburbs post-WWII. Living on 71 "Friends" Lane, her childhood included community life to the full, with many neighborhood friendships and trips to Jones Beach. She thrived at W.T. Clarke High School, where she was aptly voted "Friendliest," and participated in multiple sports and activities. Each summer, she was a lifeguard and swim instructor for the community pools.

Dona attended West Chester University in Pennsylvania and earned a bachelor's degree in physical education.

She then remained in the Philadelphia area, married and started a family. She taught for several years, and then became a stay-at-home mom. She spent a good part of her adulthood in the Philly Suburbs raising a family and thought of this area as her hometown, becoming a Philly Sports fan to the chagrin of her NY family roots.

When her children grew up, Dona moved to Owego, NY to be closer to her sister, Gina and the Kuhlman family which provided a close knit blanket of family support for her. It became a place she loved as much as her previous homes on LI and in PA. A client of the Tioga County DSS and RSS programs, she was a passionate advocate for mental health care and overcoming the stigma associated with it. She felt led to volunteer at Zion

Lutheran School, and help in the Owego Special Olympics Program, using her talents for the community.

Dona was a kindhearted and generous soul; she faced life with a contagious positive innocence. She was especially fond of animals and good food. She spent many a day walking through Owego, shopping for anybody but herself. Deeply compassionate, she found joy in gift-giving and making people feel valued. She had a childlike faith and attended a small group connected with her church, New Life Ministries. She loved singing hymns and spiritual songs, especially "Who Am I" by Casting Crowns and "Snowbird" by Anne Murray.

Everything reminded her of a song she knew, and she was known to spontaneously share a cheerful line or two. Dona adored making people laugh, and she has left us with many cherished, funny stories. She spent her last years at Riverview Manor in Owego where she was well cared for and often visited by those close to her. The family is sincerely grateful for all of the wonderful healthcare workers at DSS, RSS, and Riverview Manor for their commitment to helping Dona with heartfelt kindness throughout the years.

Dona is survived by her two children: Jim (Kristin) Hasson, Gina (Matt) Roth; her grandchildren: Zephyr and Ben Hasson; her sister: Gina (Edward) Kuhlman; her niece: Kimberley (Tim) Ripic; her grand-nephews: Tim Ripic, Anthony (Natalie) Ripic, Jayden Ripic; and her great grand-niece and nephews: Graysen, Noah, Adalyn.

A Celebration of Life for Dona will be held later this year. Please share your memories at www.RichardsFH.com