Donna L. Fraser

Donna L. (Penney) Fraser of Waltham passed away Sunday, April 23, 2023 at her home. She was 78.

Donna was born on January 22, 1945, a daughter of the late Clifford and Antoinette (Bibbo) Penney. Born and raised in Waltham, she was a 1962 graduate of Saint Mary’s High School.

After graduating she started her career as a Lab Technician at Brandeis University where she worked for many years before leaving to raise her family. Donna married John R. Fraser in Saint Mary’s Church on September 4, 1966 and they spent 56 loving years together. While the children were young she worked part-time at Waltham Supermarket, even working with her daughter while she was in high school. When the children were older Donna returned full time to Mount Auburn Hospital where she was a skilled phlebotomist . . . doctors and nurses would come to her when they were personally in need of her services. She was able to work with both her daughters during her 15 years at the hospital, before she retired in 2010.

Donna and John enjoyed traveling, whether it was their honeymoon to Puerto Rico, a memorable Celebrity Cruise, or their trip to Hawaii, they loved to experience new adventures together. She was a loving wife, an amazing mother, and she didn’t have to go far for those new adventures once her grandchildren came along; they were her everything.

In addition to her husband, John, Donna is survived by her children, Stacey Falzone and her husband, Peter of Maynard, and Jennifer Jacob and her husband, Robert of Billerica; her grandchildren, Haley and PJ Falzone, and Tyler, Emma, and Ryan Jacob; her sister, Carol Landry and her husband, Leo of Boxborough, along with many nieces and nephews whom she adored.

She was also the sister of the late Clifford Penney, Barbara LaBarge, and Joan Caira.

Family and friends will honor and remember Donna’s life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Wednesday, April 26th from 4 to 7 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Thursday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m.  Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.