Donna G. Lanning

Donna Lanning, 87, of Manchester, CT, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026. Donna was born to Francis Gardner and Margaret Wilson Gardner on May 6,1938, in Manchester.
Shortly after graduating from Manchester High School, she moved to South Windsor where she raised her family. She returned to Manchester in 1998 and re-established herself within the community and rekindled old friendships. She spent most of her career as a dedicated secretary at Pratt and Whitney. Known for her meticulous nature and strong work ethic, she was deeply respected by her colleagues and friends alike. Donna was a model of dependability and integrity, qualities she carried through every aspect of her life. She raised her three children with strength, love, and unwavering commitment. Her son Donald (Valerie) Lanning passed away 20 years ago. She is survived by her daughters Cathy (Mike) McGraw and Nancy (Ben) Pina. She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jennifer, and is survived by eight other beloved grandchildren, Keri, Leanne, Elizabeth, Sean, Hillary, Kristie, Jake, and Courtney, as well as seven great- grandchildren.
Donna was a devoted fan of the UConn women's basketball team cheering them on with her good friend, Mary Lou Small, season after season.
Private services will be held. To honor Donna's life, donations may be made to the Barbara Ross Scholarship Fund, 20 Hartford Road, Manchester, CT 06040. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donna, please visit our floral store.